I think is better to try to go for quality rather than gimmicks. In the long run it will succeed more often than not. Anecdotal Example: Apple
Going for gimmicks is like going for get rich quick schemes.
Going for gimmicks is like going for get rich quick schemes.
So yeah, while it is currently king, I don't think it's one whose rule will last forever. And if you've committed and positioned yourself to survive on freemium alone, you'll find yourself in a world of hurt.