I agree, I mean, I would buy all marquee character packs (in game and we store), easily $200+ toatal to 7*, then I would religiously buy Conquest and Era top packs $40(?) ea. I wasn't shy about spending money at all on this game. The huge factor in me maxing so soon, is I can immediately use it upon release. I am at that stage in my life to understand that I can spend what I want and enjoy it.
We are told the new Era construct is to help newer players currently feeling the bottle neck of equipment and ability mats for upgrades. What about those players that were with the game for 10 years? I am stocked full on equipment (Kyrotech and the like) and ability materials, instantly maxed on the newest marquee toons on almost day 1. Again, I could use these newest toons and learn what squads they fit best (synergy wise) on day 1, you can't with the newest Era toons.
I don't say this to boast, I say this for the opposite spectrum of players that have so much Materials for character upgrades that this is a true slap in the face. ahnald101 says he spent $400+ to 6* and reach level 70, I'm no Kraken, barely a whale but, even he (Ahnald) is flustered beyond words (newest video).
I'm done spending, this was my last Era pass, that was a mistake, and I did not buy the Conquest pass, the first since the new release of them. I'm done, refuse to spend any more.