I think part of the problem with freemium is that it changes your perception of where the value lies. The user discounts the value of the free component to nothing and only measures the value of the additional functionality that is unlocked with buying the premium portion. A lot of the time, this looks like a ripoff.
The developer on the other hand tends to look at the value of the whole application and prices the premium portion in consideration of this.
I'm not sure that I have a solution, except to say that the developer might be more succesful to discount the value of the free portion to nothing as well and only price the premium portion at a rate that considers the actual value that it adds to the user experience. I think you have to consider the free portion as a marketing expense.
The developer on the other hand tends to look at the value of the whole application and prices the premium portion in consideration of this.
I'm not sure that I have a solution, except to say that the developer might be more succesful to discount the value of the free portion to nothing as well and only price the premium portion at a rate that considers the actual value that it adds to the user experience. I think you have to consider the free portion as a marketing expense.