Wow, I just came back to discover this fee crap as well.
So much for being an original adopter and getting stuck on one of the original riddles.
The prizes were supposed to be available after solving the Isis 1 without needing to purchase more stuff, but looks like another sketchy technique to get more $$.
And as always, Puzz and the crew has these details CLEARLY on the main webpage so people can see this.
[/Sarcasm]
This whole puzzle process has gotten more complicated and convoluted with each year and Isis that comes out. What's next? A "Finder's fee" after you solve a pyramid that you have to pay before you get your prize?!