I used to feel the same way, before realizing I would happily drop $60 for a video game I would get a week's enjoyment out of. Why not pay a ton less for something I'll play more?
Why are people "afraid to pay"?
Just to toss my hat into the ring--
I've clocked just over 50 hours so far and have a 4/5* outfit. No problems getting any of the mats I've needed for upgrades. I've yet to pay for CE, though that's more of a lack of necessity than an inability to pay. Ultimately, I'm enjoying the gameplay itself and feel no particular desire to kit myself out instantly. After all, the grind is [at least one of] the game here.
I think the reason people are far less likely to pay for an internet game as opposed to a ticket to a movie or a fast food burger is because of the expectations implicit in internet entertainment. Basically everything else on the internet is free if you know your way around it... you can download TV shows and music and whatever else. So kids are just used to being entertained without having to pay, except for their internet connection which they may not be paying for anyway.
I would get so addicted to this game if I started paying cash for it.
Having my play time limited by mist energy is a godsend. And it means I get to work slowly on getting gear and not get bored right away.
But that's just me. :)
Up for "discussion" purposes