I agree. I am on the free version as well, but I did buy the OS when I bought my computer. I have called MS several times in the past for other issues and they try to help.
I usually complete one collection before I download the next one. I was almost finished with the last one I downloaded when this change happened. Now I can no longer access that collection. I downloaded another collection and will work on that one until completed. I will post a response if this issue has been resolved.