So uh, nevermind the 'players are leaving the game because', or the 'new players can't get into the game because'.
I realized that every time I want to come back to this game, the idea of having to cough up money just to use my loadout turns me away again.
If there's anyone else in the same position, I think this small change would go a long way towards simply letting mid- and long-term players enjoy Spiral Knights again, without first having to set aside ten bucks or a few hours' grinding.
Seems like a slim chance with how the rest of the suggestions are faring here, but I figured I'd pass by anyway. Thanks to Grey Havens for keeping the game afloat.
Agreed. Whenever I log onto this game to play a couple LD games I find I need 4 damned slots every time.