Recruit-A-Friend Question

So I read a lot of great things about the Recruit-A-Friend options. Great lvling bonus, mount, etc. So I read the FAQ's but that didn't awnser the question I have.

I started to play this game the second day after it whas buyable at my local gameshop. A few weeks/months later I drove 3 of my (class)mates crazy talking about how great WoW is etc. Those 3 (class)mates started playing thanks to me. But back then there whas no Recruit-A-Friend option.

One of my (class)mates stopped playing but lvled a warlock to 60. The other two still play and have one or more lvl 70 characters (just like me).

So my question is:
Can I refer those three players that I recruit to this game and started playing and paying thanks to me, thus I can get those benefitials that players currently can get from the Recruit-A-Friend options???

I fear the worst and that it ain't possible but I want to have a clear awnser on it, since it would be creat if it could be possible!