I think in that latest podcast, the WotC rep mentioned that the Game Table is designed to be used with any game and specificaly mentioned DDM (the collectible miniatures game).
If they are expecting people to use the table for DDM, then there is a HUGE possibility that V-minis will be random and that Rare V-minis will be priced much higher.
To be clear, DDI is not an MMO, but like another poster said, by charging a monthly fee, it directly competes with that kind of product. Thus, you have to compare what those products have to offer.
Let me state, that I think the Game Table would be awesome. I have already head a dozen local gamers express interest/excitement for 4e on the premise of online gaming alone. I want to be able to play D&D with remote friends, new players, or with friends across town who can't make it out of the house (watching a kid, broken foot, etc). I want DDI and the Game Table to work out.
But I'm really not sure if all these people will pay $15 a month. First, not every player needs access to Dungeon magazine. They aren't DMs, so they don't need adventures. Some of the players will be interested in Dragon... but not all. Dragon offers players lots of options, but over the course of a few months, more options than any one player can use in a single campaign
Also... these players have always had access to Dungeon/Dragon in the past (via the magazines), so these products are really nothing new. They're just digital now.
So the main draw for these excited players is the Game Table. Even at $10, it had better be impressive.
2D tokens are not impressive. Random V-minis are not impressive. Overly costly non-random V-minis are not impressive. Especially not compared to an MMO, which is what D&D is competing against.
If built correctly, the DDI Game Table will attract new players and sell more books. There's your cost coverage right there.