I wouldn't doubt that I could probably get free sample access to any paysite. However, we're all in business and there's nothing wrong with sneaking in under the radar or patronizing a site as an expense. Mostly, though, time is of the essence and it's just easier to join and check it out for myself versus sending off an email. I joined a Cybererotica site once to see what the members area was like.
The only site I ever joined for more then just potentially research was BangBus after it just launched. I really wanted to see what they were up to. BUT, I enjoyed the content so much I changed my purpose after about 10 minutes inside the members area
Brad