Retainers, confirmed, you have to pay for them.

[Phaus]

I'll keep this blunt
1- Hate it
2. Yes, it will continue
3. Problem is, where does it stop.. few $ here for this... later on few $ here for that, if i wanted an aspiring cash shop i'd go play f2p
4. No it's not, too many fan boys will defend this with their lives
5. Would've been better in game for gil/unlocked via quest, anything that doesn't result in adding extra ON TOP of the sub fee.

Just my opinion, don't be ignorant