Usage of Gold Coins for Free Members

I recently received an award for my country. When I tried to use the gold coins awarded to me to buy a new country or enterprise and bid on an enterprise, it said I had to be a full member. It also won't let me buy anymore population. Why is this? I also sent an email to the gamemaster but there has been no response.

I cannot bid on population because it says: "Please become a Premium Member to trade more on the Cash Market."

When I try to add a new country or enterprise it says:
You are already owner of a country or enterprise.

Please become a Full Member to start a new empire or enterprise.

When I try to bid on a Country or Enterprise:
Premium Members can bid on Countries and Enterprises.

The only thing I can do is buy game money. Is this correct?

Mike,

If the text specifies that you need to be a premium member, then this is what it is.

There are many features that are for premium members only.

Come one Mike, join up!

Yes, Mike. You MUST join us. :-)

yeah it sucks i have tons of GCs and cant use them on anything

I HAD a lot of GCs...but then I went into a shopping mood! Hahahaha