People claim retainers are pay 2 win. But I understand what you mean now.
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If it's a pay to win item that gives a clear advantage ingame? Like if they sold means to get better gear in Cash Shop, no way people will put up with that in a subscription game even if it could potentially lead to more in game content (which it won't, because of the exodus).
Nobody is saying that the game is dying
Not sure if serious. Do you know what the #1 complaint is on the WoW forums? Or at least was when I stopped playing back in Legion? The game was too easy and catered to casuals. That's been the hot-button debate over there for years.
Also, WoW is a raid focused game with a paper thin contrived plot, which works for them because nobody plays WoW for the story. FFXIV meanwhile, focuses on great storytelling, interesting characters, adherence to established lore, with some dungeons and raids thrown in for good measure, each with savage and extreme modes. And by the way, a Blizzard dev praised Thordan Extreme.
But if all you want to do is raid, WoW is for you.
WoW and FFXIV tend to differ in execution of the end game due to the gameplay avenues they both provide. WoW is all about linear progression via combat, with crafting being a supplement to that direction. FFXIV tends to have linear progression as an option. They have crafting and other things that people can participate in.