The object of the exercise is to motivate the two week player to become a subscriber, which many fail to do.
I doubt they fail to subscribe because they can't up a 262 in the main arena.
My "guess" is the don't subscribe for a number of reasons...
It's too hard ! I think a training arena with set goals and missions that new players have to "pass" would help. Give them the first month at half price if they join the training arena and complete the course.
Toxic atmosphere in the arenas.
Hire MODs, give then their subscriptions for free. Give the the power to police the arenas with guide lines written down and published in the TOS so everyone knows whats allowed and what isn't. This way the MODS can control the arenas and remove that "toxic" issue. Much like a club that has a bouncer as apposed to one that doesn't.
Just not their kind of game. Many come in thinking it's a game like many of the other MMOs and FPS out there and soon realize that it takes some time and effort to even become average here. Not much you can do for that other than opening up variety. The tanks and "ground war" have started that. Take about eventale FPS style play would add more. Being a small company it will take time, but I think this crew is up to the challenge.