Sure this is a bug, but most people will say it is not.

People who have never ever EVER paid any money to the game are being granted LTS status by friend keys. In fact most of the current LTS people are being so with gift keys, friend keys and well, you know.

It is a bug and should be fixed.

Actually I agree - LTS is for those who are subbed and pledge to remain so for at least a year.

There is an easy and quick fix for that. Only give LTS status to those who have been atleast subscribed for a year and still going or give it to those who buy a whole year-sub at once. So to obtain LTS-status, you'd get 2 options:

1. Be subscribed for a year consecutively and still be subbed = automatic LTS-status until you un-sub.
2. Buy a 1 year subscription = Automatic LTS-status until the year sub ends or you buy another month. Then LTS status through Option No. 1 kicks in.