The ability to start your own game server, specify a server location, determine the game mode and invite who you want to join you; [among other primarily social perks] [Premium is 1/2 the cost]
Ouch. $50/year for the capability to run my own server? Count me out.
Freemium is not a bad model. Users like it. It's not an excuse to charge more, however.
I don't think that you have to pay, and then host a dedicated server.