I think it's an idea they should have done months if not years ago. Sounds like they're playing the membership angle to sell cards and accessories. Let's hope they follow through better than T11 did - I haven't heard a thing in weeks about their tier program for getting gifts and such.
And yes, Josh, it costs money to ship to the other side of the world. Beyond postage, someone has to be paid to fill out the customs forms and pack those boxes and buy those packing materials. I understand it's not pleasant, but I keep hearing the same complaint over and over and over from many people overseas. Do I sympathize? Yes. Would I like it, were the shoe on the other foot? No. Do I need to hear it nearly every time someone buys something from the US? No, not really.
Please forgive the rant.
BTW: this is the Discourse's 60,000th post!