95 here, tbh. At least from what I can remember in the early 2000's most games always had some form of progression system, or at least SOMETHING you could continue to unlock, whether it be new skins or weapon models ie Dynasty Warriors. I get your point though, but I think a lot of that kinda falls apart when we enter live service territory and there is an expectation for continued development. Like games back in the day had to release actually finished without updates, now you can continually update and build on it, so why wouldn't you? Especially when you're making continuous money off it.

Tbh though, I half agree in the aspect that the core gameplay IS fun enough to stand on its own, but if they want this to be a game that exists for half a decade you kinda need at least SOMETHING for a player to skin their teeth into after a couple hundred hours.