A hardcore player's isn't anymore valuable than a casual player's opinion. And it shouln't be any different.
Since most players are casual and live their lives also outside of games, I personally think casual players are more important.
Since they aren't a minority and unhealthy behaviour shouln't be encouraged. Playing a game that much just so you can have decent equips takes away the most important aspect of a game and that is fun and relaxation.
Spending countless of hours playing a game just so that you can be become good at it is pretty much pointless..
Don't consider yourself elite or anything just because you consider yourself hardcore, that's a pathetic misunderstanding.
Everyone in a game should be proportionally represented no customer is anymore special.