I am not sure about your assumption about the benefits of premium accounts for Linden Lab. Those revenues currently contribute a very small portion to their overall income and - give the "everything in entertainment must be free" attitude of most consumers (especially when looking at the internet) - I doubt, that it is easy to define a premium product, which is more popular, yet does not cost Linden Lab too much. I have some 4 or 5 premium account running currently for technical reasons. I think, they represent good value for money. But I am rather alone with that attitude when talking with "normal" residents.

If I look back at the development of SL's society, it seems, as if this fits the the trend: Most accounts are "casual users" these days and over time I expect this to be even more pronounced when OpenSim grids become a kind of 3D websites spread over the Metaverse. Casual users tend not to like subscription models as they never know in advance, how intense they will use a service . Other platforms - like MMORPGs - have success with subscription based models. But those platforms cater to "intense users" who know in advance, that they will spend many hours inworld each month. 10 or 15$/month seems money well spend to them.

This "thinking about premiums" seems to be another sign of Linden Lab not knowing, which general direction the company should go with the platform. This is understandable, given their current situation and the complicated market - but not very reassuring.