The game is perhaps the worst money grab by a company that I have run across. I would much rather pay a monthly sub and know that I can farm and do whatever to make my money. I wonder how many people have melted their charge cards to be uber in a world that only exists for a few, and matters only to that few.
I know I watched some of my guildmates do whatever, get banned, spend tons of cash, all in the name of being first, the best, the greatest, whatever. I play for fun, period. I win, I win, I lose, I lose. I log off and none of it matters. Isnt that what games are? A brief release from life stresses, not a source of more stress.
Anet has taken extreme care to ensure that at some point, you will spend some cash on the game. DR on event reward, farming, etc. Really? Could you be more obvious? I doubt it. Looking at the prices on the Trade thing, really, a month in and a single item is 100g??? Doesnt that wave a red flag the size of a football field to all, it should.
I am fortunate to have disposable income, whether or not I choose to spend it on pixelated gear or not, well that remains to be seen, so far, nope.
People who do not have the money to compete will leave the game quickly, at least thats my opinion. Too many issue with too many things to keep folks engaged, the dollar is the boss some of the players will never slay, sad, but….. My opinon anyways, ymmv.