I was going to post on how I wasn't in favor of being able to buy items that give you advantage over others in the game, but the it dawned on me. It's either money or time.

With micro transactions, he who has the most money wins. They'll buy all the good gear and beat your butt in PvP or take your raid spot because they have better gear.

With a flat subscription fee, he who has the most time wins. They'll grind all the good gear and beat your butt in PvP or take your raid spot because they have better gear.

For Joe Average, both situations kinda blow but they're really not unfair when you think about it. There will always be someone willing to spend the time or the money to become top dog. Especially when they don't have anything in real life to crow about.