I seem to recall that when Pirate101 first opened, you could play for free up to the point where you had to go to Flotsom, to see One-Eyed Jack. That's all of Bloody Shoals and Jonahtown, as well as taking on the Presideo, and numerous side quests for the water moles.
I just had a friend try it, and he got as far as landing in Bloody Shoals and was told that he had to become a member or pay crowns to continue. Is this true, or did he accidentally wander into the areas that lead to Flotsom by mistake?