Interesting thread. As far as the "relative value" discussion, there are just too many angles. What is more valuable to you? For people who already have a lot of money, time may be of more value. If you base it on pure amount of gold in game, then it is probably at the bottom, who knows, it can sink lower. In terms of reaching end-game goals and objectives, it's pretty much even because before the chances were lower but hitting that big jackpot could get you there. Now, the drop chances are higher so you can obtain more items, thus the gold valve will be lower since there is more supply.

If you skimmed through the threads over time it was the people who spent money on this game and got absolutely nothing that ended up quitting in disgust. Of course there are people who quit because they felt hopeless competing against plat whales or just plain got bored of the game; but these people don't affect revenues like the plat buyers. So sts addressed the issue that was affecting their best interests. Was it the best way? It is hard to say as it is currently in motion and a wild ride for everyone. I don't see any many threads of people threatening to quit so I guess it's working.