Showdown at Star Forge [MEGA]

I love this game; however, I have seen a drop off among players lately. I wonder if the revenue is starting to slow down for CG and thus, the cash grab with this event. I'm what most would consider a dolphin. I spend money occasionally (spent money recently to get Darth Revan) to support the devs, and keep the game I love going. If this event took place NEXT Friday instead of this one I would probably pay to gear up the necessary toons. However, I refuse to reward this predatory tactic with my business. It's hard to stomach.