Just came back from a couple year break and honestly I don't mind cash shop items. It's not like they are game breaking or anything. If you want it, just buy it. If you don't, then you are not forced to and it's not going to change your playing experience. Seems like most of these things are made for RP'ers except for the mounts. I played some other sub based MMO's in my absence and some cash shops were involved with those as well. It's never hindered my ability to progress in a subscription based game before and I highly doubt it will here as well. Other than the negativity I have mostly seen on the boards, i'm having a pretty good time being back and I actually thought about buying that fat choco mount once or twice (when I learn to fly).