Dear SOE,

I think it’s probably pretty obvious where I fall on your new microtransaction content. I like the idea quite a bit, and I’m happy with some elements of what you’ve rolled out so far. The 100 coins = $1 component, for example, is a very wise choice. Making costs easily understandable is one of the simple things a company can do to remain in the good graces of its players, Microsoft notwithstanding.

That said, I think there is big-time room for improvement. If you guys are serious about making a go at this, I think you should consider some elements carefully and perhaps reconsider some of the elements you’ve already apparently decided on. Here’s my list for the suggestion box.

• First and foremost, you’re missing the ‘micro’ part in some of these transactions. $10 for a set of armor? Really? Tipa’s examination of the armor across multiple models highlights numerous problems with the sets you have available now, and brings into sharp relief a number of things you guys need to consider here. I honestly think $10 is too much money. I’m a pretty big fan of pampering my avatars, and I’d never even consider paying that much for something that has no material benefit. You need to re-examine appearance armor costs fundamentally.
• Further, take a look at Tipa’s analysis and retool future armor sets with aesthetics in mind. Perhaps offer different sets depending on the avatar models? Yeah, yeah … it’s hard, and you have limited artist time, and … whatever. If you want to say that about in-game drops, fine. If you’re charging money separately for content, it’s a whole different ball game with a different set of expectations. Do it right.
• It’s kind of annoying just to see what you’ll be buying in EQ2, and this is apparently functionality that’s just not there in EQ. This is unacceptable. Don’t ever, ever ask a customer to purchase something blind. Make it as easy as possible to allow a player the opportunity to see what he’s getting before he gets it. For armor, make a ‘View Armor Set’ button that slaps all the armor onto your avatar in the dressing room. Find some way to view those vanity pets. And put all of this into EQ as well.
• Better yet, why not let us try before we buy? Once per item per day, allow us a 5 minute trial of whatever you’re selling. Be it armor or pet or whatever (obviously not XP potions), let us see what it’ll really look like in-world before we put down our hard-earned money. The dressing room is great, but nothing compares with actually running your character around in the world with your new duds on.
• Some people have been railing against the idea of rehashing past holiday content in the store, but I say load that sucker up. Anything and everything that we’ll no longer be able to get via a live event … why not put it into the store for like 50 coins? If it’s already in the game, and you have no plans to use it again, I think that’s a great opportunity for low-cost content purchase options.
• Finally … please give us some mounts in the store. The options in-game have just never impressed me that much, and I’m continually trying to hold back my jealousy for all the awesome mounts EverQuest players are enjoying. Give EQII players the mount-related love!

That’s what I’ve got. Go alternate business methods!