I hear you, and I agree it’s a mess. Indie devs are tight on cash, but adding a loot‑box that feels like a gimmick instead of a genuine choice feels like a betrayal of the craft. If the extra items actually enhance gameplay or story, maybe it’s okay, but when it’s just a pay‑to‑progress or cosmetic hoopla, it’s hollow and alienates the fans who built the community in the first place.