I will admit that I was a bit disappointed when ED was introduced, and the subsequent invention system added, as it made the comfortable game I enjoyed unduly complicated and, consequently, less entertaining for me.
Do I understand that it was done to nerf the powers of players so that progression would be slower and, therefore, NCSoft was able to draw more income from renewed subscriptions without having to pay Cryptic for actual new content? Of course.
Do I use it? Not unless it fits with the character's theme; so, no, not very often.
Are my alts among the most powerful in the game? Usually only when posing for a group selfie.
Do I love City of Heroes? You Betchya!