I love the ability to separate subscription and access. I hated the number of filters I had on LJ - okay, is this post good for the fandom people but not for the other fandom people, is this post going to be appropriate for the BEST friends but not all the friends, etc etc. I adore the choice and separation, and hated the idea that being able to see someone's locked posts made them think I was their friend or vice versa. No, just means you have access to something the entire internet doesn't get.

In short, subscribe before access, get to know a body that way. I far prefer it, and don't find it rude at all.