I think the point that has been over looked, and a little bit of Trainz history, is that First Class Tickets and Life Membership is all to do with faster downloading of content from the DLS whereas the subscription options are associated with additional content and features, special offers, discounts and so forth. Unfortunately in my view the Life Membership has long gone and the cost of the First Class Ticket is well ahead of inflation however to make the subscription options more attractive and all embracing the First Class Ticket has been included in these options but with a discount (if that is still the case) for those holding Life Membership. As was said when the subscription options were introduced, you pays your money, or not, and make your choice, its little different than purchasing one of the three variants of TRS19 or sticking with T:ANE, each of which have their pros and cons subject to your interests and likely financial position.
Regarding Life Membership, probably my smartest Trainz purchase as my original Trainz was a gift, my membership runs out in 2037 when hopefully I'll be 90-91 years depending at what point it expires, but would suggest either the Trainz Team know something I don't or they have faith that by then I will have this current route which has been ongoing for 6 years completed. Peter