Abriel,

You cannot argue with the masses, the systems you are describing, and solutions you are suggesting, all end up in the same outcome - players continue to be frustrated with the economic systems of this game. The outcry is massive, the people have spoken in their droves, the critics have cited it, mmo fans and ff fans alike have beaten the drum and there is a resounding tone form all these sources. The Market wards in their current form, even with a search feature, are convaluted and unwanted by most.

For those that want to browse / impulse buy, then we have player bazzars, for those that want ease of use and effieciancy, they desire an auction house. SE acknowledges that, and just because they have a Market Ward system already in place, do not be under any illusions that game systems such as this could be cut completely if it means satisfying the majority. Yoshi has some radical plans to change this game imo, and simply "adding content" as many people are suggesting, will not relaunch or reboot this game ready for PS3 launch and paying subs.

He must and Is going back to the drawing board and changing a lot of core features of the game. Only once this is done will they really, really focus on content in a big way I feel.

If this game launches to the console market with an economic system such as you are describing, it will fall flat on its face. Yoshi knows that, and I feel the game is going to see many changes that are going to rattle some cages around here, including the addition of an AH, the scrapping of the current market ward system as we know it, and an enhancement to player bazar areas (quite possibly retainers in non instanced areas for niche items they do not want to place on the AH just as what happens in FFXI now).

Bring it on I say, change is good, they could wipe Gridania tomorrow and replace it just with an AH and i would subscribe to this game for life.