It was suspected for a long time that SixApart would try to force people into paying, either by buying a paid account or forcing the ads on your site.

People have spoken...they said they don't want the ads being forced on their page, but since when does SixApart actually listen or CARE what people want?

I can't afford to fork money out for the bells and whistles I rarely use, but I like the basic, no ads.

I bet they kept is hush hush to keep people from hurrying to make a hundred new accounts to keep it basic/no ads. Then, they could just give their friends the account if a friend wanted it without ads.