A little bit unrelated but judging by this statement:

I think they are preparing to add a shop and in-game currency buyable through IRL cash.

In 4.2 this currency a.k.a. "Achievement points" will be renamed into something related to crystals.
And after that, it will be added to Mog Station. Ugh...

Unfortunately, it seems that SE or developers are indeed having some financial problems, so to speak.

However, that was just an assumption.

Regarding the "veteran" players that "get nothing" - aren't you already have the permanent discount on subscription prices?
Is this not enough?

Or was I misinformed?