All I needed to see to be sure this is an ARG or marketing stunt is the $299 tier package being "SOLD OUT"

> Where does it say that?

As long as it remains lawful for them to change their minds, they don't need to say that.

I second the idea of using Digital Ocean, though I just pay the $5 a month and leave it running.

Headline is a bit misleading. While there are other factors and concerns in choosing and using a VPN, using one will absolutely save you from your ISP snooping on your web activity.

Well, it will stop your local ISP. It does nothing to stop the ISP servicing your VPN provider from snooping on your web activity.

Oh, not to mention the possibility of them blocking well known VPNs "to prevent piracy." Many open WiFi providers already do this.

Generally VPN providers don't use residential ISPs, they buy transit from a transit provider. I can't remember ever hearing of a transit agreement that permits the transit provider to sell connection information.