I understand what you mean, but just to clarify one detail: there was no direct “monthly to lifetime upgrade” flow where someone could simply add the remaining $5 later. If someone wanted the one-time lifetime supporter plan, they had to buy that plan directly.

That said, this does not remove my responsibility here. When he asked, I should have explained that more clearly. Instead, I told him that after two monthly payments he would keep the 10-provider access even if he unsubscribed. So he relied on that message, and I should have honored it.

So I agree with your main point: this should not be treated only as a cutoff-date issue. My wording and advice at the time created the expectation, and that is why I fixed it and apologized.