Returning to WoW after a decade, I find myself caught in a perplexing situation when perusing the Auction House (AH) for gear upgrades. Despite what I consider to be prudent gold management and resource collecting, I'm taken aback by the abundance of greens listed at exorbitant prices – 10, 20, even 30 gold. The question that nags at me: are people genuinely purchasing these items at such staggering costs?

Reflecting on my retail classic days, I recall the considerable effort required to save up for a mount. Now, the once monumental expense of a mount pales in comparison to the prices of items available on the AH. It leaves me wondering if the economic landscape of the game has shifted significantly since my last venture into Azeroth.

Bots remain a persistent issue, though there seems to be a glimmer of hope. Recently, the usual hotspots where bots were rampant appear notably emptier during my playtime. Could this indicate a mass banning of bots in the past 2-3 days? It's a hopeful prospect, and I anticipate continued efforts to curb this plaguing problem.

Anticipated or not, gold inflation is becoming a reality. In the past, the notion of diverting attention from leveling to farm raw gold or acquiring Bind on Equip (BoE) items in Razorfen Kraul (RFK) at level 25 seemed laughable. Elixirs, typically modest in price, were hardly sought after, as only a select few used them for leveling.

In the current landscape, however, the dynamic has shifted. The post-raid lull sees players diving into PvP or farming activities. This increased focus on farming isn't inherently problematic, considering WoW Classic SoD gold's existence is a fundamental aspect of the game. The true issue lies in the hoarding of gold. This practice not only distorts market prices for latecomers but also poses a significant challenge for those trying to catch up.

Entering a raid becomes a formidable task when faced with a community clad in superior gear, fully embracing consumables, while your limited resources prohibit you from obtaining comparable consumables due to inflated prices. The struggle is particularly pronounced for players joining the Season of Discovery a bit later, amplifying the difficulty of bridging the gear gap and attaining financial equilibrium.

In essence, the current economic landscape, marked by inflated prices and the potential influence of bot bans, raises concerns for players trying to establish themselves in the Season of Discovery. Navigating this terrain requires a delicate balance, where addressing gold inflation and the consequences of hoarding becomes paramount. A thoughtful approach is needed to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all players, regardless of their entry point into this evolving WoW Classic adventure.