Succeeded.

It was originally a one off $4 for iOS, $4 for Android, and $10 for the web service + electron apps.

Following acquisition by NPR et al, they announced that the base mobile apps would go free, and the web apps would be part of a $10/yr Pocket casts plus subscription, along with some extra functionality.

Following some backlash, they gave web-app buyers a lifetime Pocket Casts Plus subscription.

You could never actually buy the lifetime PocketCasts Plus membership.