I don't know about dead. I still see alot of people playing GW, it might be dead for you but that is just you and not the entire community. I personally have no problem with the optional updates and am enjoying the actual free updates: extra bag space, Zaishen challenges have been a big hit from what I have seen, and the extras given out from Nicholas the Traveler can be pretty F-ing sweet; Gold Vampiric Dragon blade bad?

The way I see it you have one of two options:
1. Angrily complain and whine about the game and be a pooper or
2. Realize that it is just a game, and a fun one at that, and go with the flow.