Woodman,
Regardless of my, or your, personal feelings about opt-outs or pre-checks, the truth is they are used in all kinds of marketing, in all types of markets, on and off line. The bottom line for this industry is remaining within required ratios. If you can do that, given that the new ratios leave little room for anything that might cause a chargeback, then you're doing something right.
Stats show that an overwhelming majority of surfers will un-check a pre-checked box. There are programs out there now who have pro-actively made the decision not to buy pre-checked cross-sells. Good for them. Nice to see programs serious about their future intentions.
It all boils down to ratios, and ratios are a direct reflection of all parts of the equation working the way they are supposed to. Your site needs proper disclosure regarding the terms of purchase, the transaction must be quick, easy, and efficient, and their experience with your site must be a good one. Call it back to basics.
