Interesting to do the math - if you have to do 30 full lot trades, assuming a 3 pip spread and 10$ per pip - then they will make 30*3*10 = 900$ off your trading (if you survive at least 30 trades, 300 minis, or 3000 micros). So at the very worst, they are guaranteed 400$ (900$ - the original 500$) off successful traders taking advantage of this deal.
Probably the best way to play this one - but only if you have money to throw away - is to fund the real account with as little as possible (say a few hundred dollars), use their 500$ as a source of extra leverage, and bet it all on one trade, and let it ride. You'll lose the 500$ (for not trading enough), you'll risk the money you put in, but it may pay off big. But then again, it may not (You won't see me doing this...)
Probably the best way to play this one - but only if you have money to throw away - is to fund the real account with as little as possible (say a few hundred dollars), use their 500$ as a source of extra leverage, and bet it all on one trade, and let it ride. You'll lose the 500$ (for not trading enough), you'll risk the money you put in, but it may pay off big. But then again, it may not (You won't see me doing this...)