The way I see it, things like mounts and glamour items are not necessary for the game to feel "complete". Some people want these items, and that's why they're perfect for something like a cash shop. They are ancillary items added to the whole of FFXIV.

I don't see how things like Fantasia can be controversial either. That kinda stuff is all additional and, if people will pay for it, of course Squeenix is gonna charge for it. I don't know why people would even get mad at WoW offering things like quick 100 rank-ups either. You can still level the regular way, and it's not forcing you to pay to get to that level. Look at this stuff like bonuses that cost money, which is what they are, instead of things ripped from the game that should be free.