Omega Emote is Tasteless

[Valkyrie_Lenneth]

Not sure what meaning you've been using the last two decades, but a "whale" is pretty commonly known as someone who spends more (usually way more) on something than the average player/customer. Doesn't matter if it grants an advantage, or if it's just something cosmetic.
The average XIV player definitely isn't going to drop $220 on a statue that comes with an emote.

I mean, in that case, anyone who's gone to a fanfest is a "whale".

Does OP throw a fit every fanfest because he cant afford to go?

I am very selective where I spend my money. It may look like i just spend it frivolously, but I actually save quite a bit with my job, even spending lots on "luxuries". Sure, you could say I'm fortunate, but I also worked hard to get there. I don't bemoan people owning houses IRL, even tho I'm currently incapable of owning one anywhere close to where I work. I have to rent out of a basement in someone elses house. There were several covid scares, because I have no control over the housemates.