The older versions prior to 2.6 will continue to work, - however you have to expect some problems getting connected if you aren't using LimeWire regularly.

The new free version comes with bundled software (that can easily be uninstalled) but it's now ad-free. Completely clean versions fro the cost of compiling it yourself can be obtained at www.limewire.org - so nobody is forcing you to pay for anything here. It's just that the old router4.limewire.com doesn't surf much purpose anymore and LimeWire wants to shut it down.