For the longest time, I haven't been one to fall for the overpriced scam system of in game cosmetics. $20 for a skin? You're telling me 3 skins are worth a full AAA game? That's not even remotely okay.
Recently, I've gained a very unhealthy addiction to opening packs in hopes of getting an elusive and painfully rare heirloom. So on one hand, I feel like the hopes of getting one sort of make me come back. On the other hand, I feel like the extremely low chances of getting one before 500 packs is a deterrent. Of course if everyone had one, it would be pointless. It wouldn't be as exciting to have something everyone else also has.
The problem is, it's so uncommon, I find myself not wanting to grind it out anymore. Like you said, I've hit that plateau of not being interested in any more unlocks. I feel like if I got an heirloom, I'd want to play more. I'd have something to show off and be proud of. I'd want to play just to swing around that heirloom and feel good about that accomplishment.
I'm currently a level 311, and now that I don't get a pack until every 5th level, it's getting painful. Once you hit that level and get a pack with two whites and a blue, it's like climaxing and immediately passing out. I literally have no more interest to play because I know it's going to take so long for my next pack and it most likely won't be worth it with nothing good. I can't even imagine how it is at level 500 for you not getting packs except for the occasional quest and battle pass packs. There's hardly any desire to get more.
I should specify that as ashamed as I am, I have bought a LOT of packs recently and definitely can't afford to. I'm angry at myself for falling into the trap. I want some stupid cosmetic so bad that I'm sacrificing dinner and other necessities I already struggle for to get a fancy melee weapon with no perks or advantages with the simple hope that it will respark my desire to play.