Sorry intensegamer but I think on this occasion shadowrosalina is correct.
At the end of the day all Popcap are doing is rewarding those who either made the intense effort or purchased their way (whichever) to max out their level on PVZ1 with a unique legendary character.
*BUT*
If what Shadowrosalina says is correct and Popcap are offering a 12 month extension in order to give gamers the chance to max out their PVZ1 level then those who feel the need to give it a go are going to do so. Yes? Of course they are - because it's an excellent opportunity to own something unique - something that very few gamers will have.
I personally don't know what level everyone has reached but looking at things from my perspective; in around 1 1/2 years of PVZ1 I currently stand at around level 180 (that's with zero micro-transaction purchases) so for me to make a genuine attempt at reaching the fabled L313 i'm looking at a considerable amount of dedication and time. Which is fine because I don't have a problem with the game and due to the fact it's fun to play I don't particularly class it as a grind in making the effort. So yeah, a lot of likeminded gamers in a similar (or better) situation to me would possibly give it a try - which is good..... Or is it?
So here's the bit that puzzles me. Given the time it's going to take, does it really make any sense for Popcap to ask you to disregard the new game in favour of playing the old game in order to obtain said legendary item ? That really is a bit of a strange one!
I do agree that a loyalty bonus from a previous game should remain at that (without exception) but i'm not sure of the thinking behind extending the offer beyond the launch of the sequel.
Now that the new game is upon us some people may want to concentrate on new things and simply see having to go backwards in order to gain exclusive items as a bit of a grind - I don't know. Perhaps that's the general feeling of intensegamer - again I don't know.
For me personally I guess it's not a bad thing because, as I have stated previously, PVZ2 in it's present state isn't quite to my liking so whilst i'm once again busy on the original (until such a time when #2 feels like the deserved sequel that It should be) I get the opportunity to chip away at the remaining 120 or so level ups. Hurrah 🙂