I doubt it will be optional if they implant it. Or even paid only. If they do, it'll go live on the entire site.

And man, I haven't had any problems with the other changes they have done to the site, to be honest. Not at all. But htis? Reading my flist is what I do on LJ. All the time. I've personalized my LJ since I like how it looks to MY eyes when I read it. So why the hell do they have to this? I am NOT amused. :-/