Oh yeah lol I forgot I used to pay monthly for FFXIV haha. Oops. Yeah as much as people may not like that, I am all for paid services. I feel the content is usually better. I used to think if the game is free, people will be less passionate about complaining about the game not delivering. I don't think this is the case haha. I know I am in the minority, but I would not mind a paid service. Yeah, I remember D1's system. It was basically every other MMO game. It used an item level mechanic, but I felt it was a bit flawed (forever 28-29 gang lol). I know people don't like bringing in other games in discussions, but I really feel that FFXIV's loot system could work wonders for Destiny. The only issue is, they have the content to back it up. As you progress towards Savage raids etc. your gear gets constantly upgraded. Basic gear being able to be obtained from lower levels (strikes/dungeons?). That beings me to another point in where the raids simply don't have anything I want to grind for. You are right about D1. It def had a more traditional MMO vibe. VoG had many great gear, and also progressed your light/item level. I brought this issue on many times, but I don't think people read it. But there is a huge differences between sunsetting in other MMOs and Destiny: Ability. Alot of MMO gear simply augments our player's abilities. improves their DPS, rotations etc. Destiny's characters have almost bare bones abilities, and very little customizations. Also, our character's main DPS come from the weapons themselves. When our output is so tied to weapons, its hard to sunset them imo. If our weapons played simply a minor role, and our abilities focused more on gear (ala Warframe, since it is also a shooter), I think things could be a bit different. Anyways, its not an easy thing to balance imo. While not the most original, Destiny is def one of a kind game in terms trying to really integrate MMO elements to shooter. Unpopular opinion: I personally find Warframe does a tremendously good job with some of these issues. But since this game isn't a mod based gam.....wait a sec lol j/k. no seriously tho, its not the same game, so we shall see. As worried as I am, I want the expansion to be good. who doesn't?