Longtime subscriber (since 2006). Had a blast in those early days, everyone was a paid subscriber, i.e. had some financial skin in the game. Installed the game from the CD in the game box and used the code for a "free subscription" which I think was a month or three. Had some super memorable times when the game gods blew up the marketplace in a live event (where we had like 20+ instances of the marketplace). Had demons and devils popping into public areas. Then when the game transitioned to introduce the FtP model and shifted the whole paradigm. Along the way have added more accounts (3 for other family members and 2 for mules) so we could all play at the same time. Always kept the core account as VIP, to benefit from the various perks and the family accounts all purchased various packs and expansions as needed or they went on sale.
While I personally find only marginal use for most of the new VIPLP stuff, I think the biggest issue I have with it, is how annoying/frustrating it was to even collect the rewards. The interface could and should have been something simple like the Daily Dice Popup that you can activate anywhere and not have to trek over to the Hall of Heroes. The 5 extra shared bank slots have use to me (since I was already at the normal Max anyway). I will be happy to take those freebies over the coming year (just like I was happy to take those Gold Rolls the past month - but getting 100Exp and some Plat is pretty much a letdown). Bonus stuff that can make the questing life a little bit easier/quicker/more interesting.
I think SSG has a huge conundrum during game design. The existing base of longterm dedicated players of the game, and another cadre of possible new players who might only be into ANY new game for a few months before the next new thing grabs their attention. It is cheaper to buy a VIP for a few months and get a lot of access, and then move on than to grab all the newest expansions to own them for as long as the game lasts or your interest sticks. How to encourage or incentivize those newer players to stick around? This was an attempt. Getting an extra 5 shared bank slots when you only had the base number is a lot more useful than going from 250 to 255 spots. Longtime players likely have stacks of unused items like those in the VIP bag of Many Things. I know I do (other than the Sentient XP - those get used up quickly). A new player would likely find a lot more value in those choices.
I would really love it if Hearts of Wood would stack. I seldom reincarnate, but I have a collector's mentality and find it almost impossible to toss away stuff like that, just in case I might need it.
