Just found this answer in the FAQ on the Codies site:

Quote Originally Posted by Codemasters
What Customer Support is available to Free, Premium and VIP players?
(Last updated: 03-11-2010 03:04:24)
VIP players get full, unlimited access. Premium players get Full access for 30 days following the purchase of Points whilst Free players can self-service online.
Is it me or is that pretty shitty? Are there any other companies (other than perhaps EA) doing this?

There are a lot of rumors about companies doing this "behind the scenes" but coming out and saying it like this seems ... dumb at the least... and downright greedy at the worst.