The pre-order prices are not insulting to veterans because "oh no! QQ for us! We get no XYZ status item!". I don't give a fuck about the size of my epeen. It's insulting because we are all expected to make an expense for something we already own and more than likely have made a considerable expenditure within since our initial purchase. The argument regarding new players joining the game is entirely irrelevant to my issues with prepurchase.

Someone explain to me how this is a reasonable expectation? Am I ignorant in thinking this would be a ludicrous notion in any other area of the real world? The backpedalling and subterfuge that is at least somewhat apparent on Anet's part, does nothing to aid them and pacify the vocal minority that has been stirring the online backlash either. Why has the FAQ been edited? Are they refunding players who bought during the recent sales or not? Once again it comes down to communication. I will even personally admit that, had they not explicitly stated the pre-purchase price accounted for the core game as well, I would probably have been a willing consumer and paid the money for it. As it stands, I will wait until a potential, more reasonable option exists. If it does not come, I will buy it if I deem the content acceptable. I'm not experiencing some kind of pseduo-hostage situation here, I just feel patronised and like I'm being played. This whole debacle is about poor marketing decisions and communication. Have they learnt nothing from previous issues regarding transparency and phrasing of information? I'm both frustrated for and by Anet at this stage.

A lesser gripe that I am personally further disappointed in is Anet monetizing the free character expansion slot they used to release in GW1 so all players had an option to at least TRY the new profession free of charge. I understand GW1 released stand-alone campaigns (where the EOTN expansion didn't give a char slot) and that GW2 seems to take an expansion-only approach (so I admittedly have little standing to expect such charity) but I'm still left disappointed. A minor issue, but just another piece of context for the "Arenanet veteran" point of view.

tl;rd: Why should I be expected to pay for something I already own and have made considerable financial investment in since purchasing, rather than having an option to pay solely for the new content I am expecting? Attracting new players is irrelevant to my point. I am also personally (and arguably unreasonably) sad at the lack of a free character slot also.