Cryptic also did Star Trek Online- and it followed the same sort of Dilithium/Astral Diamonds -> Zen scheme. I'm okay with this, it undercuts RMT, and allows you to collect the Zen without paying for it- IF you want to, I admit, there are times I put money into the cash shop. As long as Perfect World is only maintaining…
I understand the frustration, and I do agree with your main assertion- an open game with an active cash store is not a beta, it's 'live'. It DOES, however, give us an awesome future launch event with goodies. :) Be patient, it'll all get sorted out eventually.