If he plays it for over a year and a half, he will save money. But it didn't sound like he was too excited about the beta, so why invest?

It is a limited time deal. You can only pay for the lifetime before the game comes out.
Also Jeff has a history of paying ridiculous prices for shit he never uses.
I have to be honest, I rarely play WoW but I would probably buy a lifetime pass for it. Especially since it will probably be around for *crag*ing ever.

*crag* star treck online