Ok, I might buy Final Fantasy XI, as a gift from my folks, and I have my idea, I will buy the PC Version with all three expansion packs included, so, could somebody answer these questions?

1. I think the subscription is $256 USD, is that the total amount for a once-a-year pay, or can you pay it in segments like three months?

2. Is Blue Mage a starting job or an advanced one?

3. Does it matter what kingdom I hold alliegence to other than the simple stuff?

4. Last of all, I wanna be a Mithra, should I be a thief, monk, or red mage when I start, I know I can change classes, so help me out.