A very pertinent set of points that you make @zeros. :c)

I must confess that I don't use steam (tempted but not until I upgrade from my 10 year old laptop) and so micro-transaction tactics are a little alien to me. Even so - you convey the hurt well.

I personally think that premium power creep and 'queening' sends a negative vibe to a player base and that, like you seem to suggest, the true power should lie in convenience - skipping some grind. Thanks for the thought.