Really not sure what the issue is here apart from the initial - and entirely predictable BTW - slow response of the servers, which from a quick look online seems to have abated already.
The size is normal for an MMO and clearly with that kind of game you're going to want the faster loading speed of an HDD vs either BR or a DVD hence the install.
The first month is free and then you pay a monthly fee as per the majority of MMOs on the market.
Now, personally I think for an MMO you should always be able to get the client for free if downloaded digitally and that a microtransaction vs pay to play is better, but that's just me. DC Online is pretty standard so the complaints really seem to be at odds with the genre.
Try to be reasonable... its easier than you think...
