Am I missing something? This https://dev.windowsphone.com/en-us/join implies that it costs 19USD (15UKP) for an annual subscription is it a typo or have Microsoft 'relented'?
After you register for an annual Dev Center subscription, you’ll get to submit unlimited paid apps to Windows Phone Store. You can also submit up to 100 free apps. To register, you need a valid credit card, a PayPal account, or a promo code. Registration is $19 or free if you’re a DreamSpark student.