ESO has done some things really well, again, instanced housing. SE could most definitely take things from this and other competitors, perfect it, and make a much better game. So, I agree with the thought.
I love how ESO did their instanced housing (not the price tag). Like I was saying, you can actually go to, and see the home on the map. It's an actual part of the world, sure when you enter it things change as per your decor, but I like that it's there. It almost gives a sense of community like FFXIV, your home is right THERE. A part of the map. It's cool. I think that would be a really cool implementation for this game, and would fit completely in theme here, while giving us proper instanced housing at the same time!
I just know something needs to be done about housing in FFXIV. As is, too many people are getting left out. I think it's archaic, and I get the idea, but so much more could be done! I should address, that yeah, if you have a house you cannot take a break. It sucks that if you have any kind of real world emergency, living situation changes, etc. you lose your house. I spent an entire day clicking on a placard, it would be a torture for someone to lose the house they spent a TON of time decorating, or just getting the plot of land in the first place. New, proper, instanced housing, in some form, could be a nice way to solve this, or rather alleviate this issue. It could provide for a much less torturous experience, and even provide much more expansive options when it comes to housing in general. Really, with housing in the state it is right now though, almost anything would be a better solution than what it is.
I just don't think a a "free" crysta, like ESO crowns, would really work out well for this game as a whole. I think it would only make the cash shop more prevalent and predatory over time. Like ESO. Despite the probable good reception.
Yes, I was just comparing SE's pricing to other things. I think much of what is sold is overpriced. Like their $18 dollar outfits - which I buy anyway, but it's not really out of the norm for things to cost that much. Not excusing the pricing, but acknowledging it.
I actually don't know how bad it has gotten now. I haven't played it for over a year at this point. I have actually played that game since BETA, but it was never a main game for me. I mean, I've probably put a pretty large amount of time into my high elf, but it's safe to say I play it on and off, for lengthy periods about once a year. Since it's launch. Mostly just for the story, and making outfits. Love my High Elf - she looks great. I just know whenever I play it, I would just get incredibly disgusted by just how predatory the cash shop was. Yes, I have fell prey to it as well. Despite my complaints, I have spent quite a bit of money on their cash shop as well, for outfits or whatever. Just as I have this game.
I remember when ESO had a cash shop, and it was really scarce. If they have started lessening or seemingly outright removing rewards from the game in favor of the cash shop, that is really bad.
Sorry, again.