Same happened to me. For a simple 1040 without any extra deduction, I was charged $69 Deluxe version.
Before submitting your tax return the ONLINE version automatically determines which version you "require" based on all the relevant data you entered into the system. Even if you met with an agent in-person the same thing would have likely happened. Everyones tax situation is different, so it helps knowing ahead of time what version you need, so there aren't any surprises.
That is wrong information. You can use the Free Edition with any filing status, Single, Married, MFS, HH etc. And you can have dependents. You can enter interest and dividends.
In the Turbo Tax Free Edition, information that you can enter is limited now. Why do I have to upgrade from the Free Edition?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/upgrading/help/why-do-i-have-to-upgrade-from-free-edition/00/26379
See what situations are covered,
https://turbotax.intuit.com/best-tax-software/why-its-free
Or try the IRS Free File program
https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free