You can downgrade it, but still pay the full price

[As mentioned earlier](http://vantan.org/archives/2007/11/sl_account_disa.php), I was stuck in Second Life limbo after cancelling my credit card details as I didn’t want to continue being a premium member. However they locked me out of Second Life entirely, saying I had to pay them the renewal fee, which I had opted to pay annually.
I couldn’t even downgrade my account until I entered my card details which would result in an automatic payment – which I didn’t want!
So I wrote in. I have to commend Linden Labs for the quick reply to my query, but this situation sounds silly. Read this (I have [deleted] some parts due to privacy issues):
> Hello Vantan,
>
> Thankyou for contacting Linden Lab support regarding the issue of wanting to downgrade your account.
>
> I will be able to help you downgrade your account to a basic account but this is not going prevent you having to pay the your annual fee.
>
> Due to our policy, you will still have to pay the $72 because you did not cancel premium membership before your account fees were due.
>
> I am sorry if this causes any inconvenience but it is company policy.
>
> [Security verification questions deleted]
>
> If you can provide me with the above information then I can downgrade your account for you.
>
> If you have any further questions you can contact myself or one of my colleagues.
>
> Regards,
> [name deleted]
> Linden Lab support
So this is a warning to the rest of you on paid accounts who are also thinking of downgrading to Basic membership – remember to downgrade your account before cancelling your credit card details!
At this rate I might as well renew my membership for one year! What the heck. I’ll just get lots of Linden pocket money.