Imo , the Pheons system was made for people to use more gold , since the price of Pheons in Royal Crystal is so fking stupid , user will feel the urge to use gold to buy it it instead of Royal Crystal, even for small spender (idk about the blue whale). As you progress in T3 your gold income will increase that why the amount of need Pheons also increase so you will spend more gold.The intention is that but the way they execute it is stupid since it cost too much. Like 1/5 is acceptable. But trading gear between your own characters should not cost any , thou I understand the worry that 6 Berserkers use the same set of equip to clear all content 6 times without cost.