In a way I guess it can be seen as sort of cheap, but if players want it, it creates revenue, why not? And let's face it. Majority of big games so far have done it ("pre order this super deluxe pack now that costs 3 times more to get beta access as a freebie!").
Hell, just do it that way. Sell us collectors editions with some fancy crap with it and a beta access, no one will complain
I would love to be subbed to Planetside, but even if I love the game I know I would only occasionally pop in, but being a poor student atm I really can't afford having a 15€ sub running for just to play a few times a months, so I'm even sorta taking the risk of screwing up my chances for beta by not being subbed. I would pay 15€ for a beta access in a heartbeat, but 15€ a month for an undefined time that may not even guarantee me the beta access? Can't afford