Pretty sure the free accounts allow linking now? Maybe a temporary thing?
I tried earlier and it still no workie for me.
I logged in to my Photobucket account this morning to download a photo or two and a "Change In Service" pop up popped up.
One of the changes to happen in early 2019 is this:
View attachment 38762
You don't 'spose this is meaning that free account holders will again be able to link and share stored photos do you?