as mentioned above, bungie are a great example for handling DLC, also criterion games for Burnout Paradise. whether you like halo 3 or burnout paradise doesn't really matter, the fact both these companies have great relationships with the fans and do a good job with DLC says everything.

with criterion they gave out heaps of free stuff and now are charging...which is fair enough in my book. they deserve some cash for all their hard work. They did this to build up interest in the product and get a solid user base. it worked, now they can charge and make money, while keeping fans happy with free stuff and give them options with charged stuff.

with bungie, they charge for DLC...which later becomes free/reduced, gave out free stuff on what they call Bungie Day and express constantly how it's microsoft stopping them charging less and giving things out free or when they're done...not when microsoft say 'nows a good time to release'. they listen to the fans and constantly react.

balancing charged and free DLC is not easy...with Wipeout and it's considerable smaller fanbase i believe charging is the best option, but the odd free thing will really help...for the fanbase, the reputation and the future...even if it's just some small things. (the people working on the product, i'm sure, would be all-for sticking at least something out for free to get the sheer joy and reation from fans!)

whether sony would let Studio Liverpool do that, even on a small scale is another matter...