Wait, now I'm confused - to clarify, I'm asking, "is it worth it to engage in shadow marketing (a free trial that converts automatically to a paid one)" and you've answered "not really." As in, "it's not worth it to do this." But you're doing it anyway?

Sorry! I'm trying to keep up with all the comments and have been responding hastily.

It's fair game in my book to use the tools Apple provides us as developers to monetize our apps. Other apps offering subscriptions do so in the same way... it's why Apple provides us the ability to even offer free trials.

I'm sorry you disagree, but this is common business practice.

I will be the first to admit that I am not a businessperson, but I would predict you're not going to make many friends here standing on "the rules allow us to do this" and "everybody else does it". That's the weakest possible defense, and shows you're not really hearing why people "are pissed about it".

At least he is answering honestly. And everyone seems to dislike honest answers. Looks like people only want to hear some lies wrapped in nice promises, which would never materialize.

edit: typo

Sure, honesty is a good value, which is why it's disappointing to hear that they'll be honest to us about their dishonesty to their customers.