Well, we could say pretty much all lower lvl gear doesn't affect anyone's progression. People still wear them for glamor. The point the op is making is that the items have been available via npc all this time. Now SE has removed that npc to sell to you for cash. I disagree with a cash shop all together. Business wise, the best looks will eventually be reserved for the cash shop as incentive for you to really want them. Cash shops are a slippery slop for a subscription based mmos.