I don't get insulted, I just find it tasteless.
It matters if enough people get it, because then it might eventually signal a replacement of the "design norm" that would otherwise be the case - which is sound game balance.
Developers have already all but ignored proper game balance for a long time, and if they start making available powerful or wanted items through pre-order deals or DLC like this as the norm (isn't it already?), the whole idea of balancing the game within its own universe will ultimately be pointless.
If you have no problem with developers exploiting the majority, then you must have a lot more faith in the ability of the majority to "vote" in a way that's beneficial to everyone, including themselves. I could mention why much of the world is suffering from financial recession - but I won't.
At this stage, exploiting the impulse-buy mindset of the overworked and underpriviliged (in terms of time available to play and have fun) is the popular way to do business. People don't really have time to play, but they might have surplus money - so the natural reaction is to "pay" instead of playing for content, right?
What do you suppose the gaming experience will become, if - finally - everyone is expected to pay for progress - rather than actually "playing" towards it. It will be instant - but costly - satisfaction until the whole concept of being satisfied is meaningless and void.
DLC like this is akin to cheating. We've all been tempted to cheat, and I'm sure we all tried it in our youth - or maybe we still do. Some people still buy gold or other advantages in popular MMOs, because they believe that is the most entertaining or productive way to play games. I challenge that position, and I claim they don't really understand the long-term effect of such behavior.
If this is supported, we'll potentially come to a point where getting advantages through cash-money is the way to go - because that's how the products will be marketed.
I don't know about you, but pretending like DLC isn't hurting the experience long-term, is not for me.
I know this notion of "it's optional, so you don't have to" and I find it both naive and shortsighted.
No, I don't have to - and I also don't have to use drugs. That I choose not to, doesn't mean I should just ignore that it goes on.
No games aren't life-threatening - but the hobby is dear to me, and I'd like to do my bit to ensure its future as quality entertainment.
