Seriously SE ? (dual rider chocobo)

[Felis]

Pretty much this.
I've avoided ever giving Blizzard any money in large part due to this.

The lack of a cash shop was one of the 3 main points this game had over other MMOs to me. The more it steers away from that, the less it has going for it. :-\

1.0 launch:
Asuran Armguard - for everyone who bought FF XIII
Onion Helm - for everyone who bought FF XIV CE
Garlond Google - for everyone who bought FF XIV Standard
Hermes Shoes - for everyone who had an active FF XI account

To get all you needed FF XIII, 2* FF XIV and FF XI. You see, bonus items are really nothing news in FF XIV since 2010.
So please, stop to be shocked that there are bonus items (not cash shop items) obtainable outside of the game