Problem with "Optional" Items in the Cash Shop

[Aramina]

The greater and much more interesting question is: "why would they let us pay to not have to even play it?!" because that's what cash shops are all about

How do cosmetic items in the shop make people play less? That doesn't even make sense.

adding to post because I hit cap...

What? it's simple -- imagine if the birds and ponies were only available in Mogstation. Bam! no one does old extreme primals outside of Wondrous Tails, which didn't even exist until several months ago.

That's how taking stuff that might serve a purpose in-game and locking it behind a paywall can affect who plays the game and how much time they spend doing it.

But they aren't in the cash shop. If we are still playing the "what if' game then sure.... but I was replying to the "...because that's what cash shops are all about" when it is clear that is *not* all they are about since that doesn't happen now.