Stupid phone. What i meant to say was that the GW2 system doesn't effect gameplay. People hate RMT because there are sellers spamming everything and the economy gets screwed up. GW2 has an exchange system that lets people who don't buy gems get them at an exchange rate for gold. You can use gems to get just about anything the real money gets you all through farming gold. This is balanced by the karma currency. If some dude with money to burn wants to buy gear or black lion keys he can. The only difference between him and the guy who bought the game on black Friday for 2 dollars is that dude with money gets that stuff sooner than black Friday guy. That is a micro transaction system as it should be. I farmed the mats to get a plushy griffin pet during the Christmas event last month with friends. If i wanted to buy the other Christmas pets i could have, or i could have farmed more mats for them.

GW2 is a shining example of micro transactions at work. Because save for a few inconsequential things, all items are available to every player regardless of monetary input. Those who wish to save time spend money. Those who wish to save money spend time. And the key component of the game (gameplay) is unchanged and solid. I haven't dropped a dime on GW2 and all my gear stays current because my buddies and I craft for each other and hunt big events.

again, Im not saying xiv should go F2P, but if done well its very effective and lucrative. I am considering spending a little cash on black lion keys to open all my bl chests. I could farm them, but i kinda want to open them all at once.