Yeah also at one point they claimed this was the plan from day one, but if that was the case why would it have been for sale in countries with no PSN support.

I've had mine since Nov 2020, no issues with deletion. I think the trick is to have a CC on file or be charged at least one. I know I generated a few storage charges, ended up paying less than $2 but I think that has classified me as a 'paying customer'. However I would recommend always being prepared for eventual deletion. Make backups, record your process for setting things up so you can switch to a different provider should the worst happen.

They're 12-24, we use these at work.

The whole Fable series is loaded with great ideas paired with "this could have been better" execution. I love them dearly but I always feel they're missing just that little bit more.