I have a mixed feeling about this. As much as i like how easily gold can be earned using weapons and gears with gold loot, i can't help but agree with the OP. Prices are now skyrocketing and new players (not twinks) would easily be discouraged seeing how expensive items are ATM. I hope STS can find a solution to normalize prizes the ways it's supposed to be.

On a side note, i also agree with having awake on artifacts being too early. Im sure not even 5% of the players have own even a rare or epic artifact at the moment? Why the hurry anyway?