I think that this is simply one of those cases where for every MMO player drawing the line there will be another willing and happy to pay extra cash for what used to be part of the basic subscription model. Companies would not introduce RMT models if they knew it wouldn't sell, they have clearly done the research beforehand, and now know how far they can push the playerbase.

This is probably a sloppy analogy but I'll use it anyway: I foresee the basic subscription model becoming akin to an economic class flight, it will get you from A to B without much fuss but if you want the bells and whistles and extra service you are going to need to open that wallet and get spending extra.

This is simply how businesses work: they don't exist to be fair, or to do what's right, or to even provide the best gaming experience (if they can afford not to), it is completely and wholly about the Bottom Line. Capitalism at it's finest, ladies and gentlemen. Make of it what you will.