Could it just be that, this is the kind of service we can expect as long as PSN is free? I don't play any other online games for the PS3, but I remember hearing about general connectivity and server problems for all sorts of games, most infamously Killzone 2 on its release weekend.

Were these issues for other games resolved? Has a precedent been set or is this without precedent? Do we have any reason to think there won't be long term support for online play?

I've had an Xbox Live gold subscription for under a year, mostly for some old school shooters and Ridge Racer 6 (hey Jasmin_Jade, I think I raced against you once or twice), but the best game in the world right now is Wipeout HD and I'd gladly pay a $4/mo subscription for continued support.

Things must be difficult for Studio Liverpool. They make a stellar game on the only console powerful enough to support it, but are limited by PSN's business model. If this is the prime reason, then I feel very badly for them. I am curious if anyone has any more info regarding that relationship.