While this sounds like a good idea, here are the negatives as I see it:
1) It doesn't give you a good chance to try out different classes to see what you would prefer playing. You really don't get to know a class until the mid-teens. Getting to level 10 is easy enough solo, and if you find a good group, even mid-teens can be achieved in a couple of days. However, some classes are group and gear dependent, especially after 10. I play a rogue, and while there are many rogues that can decently solo, what they don't tell you is that they are rocking high end gear that allows them to do so.
2) Pantheon is ever changing in EA. What was the norm for a while could change suddenly in a patch. A lot of people get upset because they change something that was there from when EA started (or before if you were able to get in). So, while you may get a weekend pass or a week trial, what you come back to in release will be a whole different game.
3) Many people have come into the game thinking it was further along than it really is, then quit shortly after. The game is in early access, so a lot of changes are being made, and classes are constantly getting updated (except for *ahem* rogues). Again, what you would try out for a short time will be changed by the time you come back.
4) Feedback. Most people don't provide constructive feedback beyond the "this class sucks!" While you may be willing to provide meaningful feedback for the short play time window, I feel that most that would take advantage of a pass would just come back with the "this class sucks!" and leave it at that.
I am not pointing these things out to dissuade VR from doing this kind of thing, or you for taking advantage of it if they did. Again, I think it is a good idea. However, most games put out in EA still require you to pay money to gain access (take for instance BG3).
IwantToGoFast said: I thought the first hit was supposed to be free.
That functionality is not yet built. At release, there will be a free trial. Then you'll be able to test for free. I could be wrong but I think it will be a 30 day access.
There are plenty of videos on Youtube and on Twitch that can show you most of what could be learned in just a couple days of access.
Joining the Pantheon Discord would let you ask any questions you like of the people already playing the game.
There are no other options at this time.