I agree with OP actually, but the idea of a superhero having to get out his wallet and pay cash/debit card for stuff seems hokey as well. I think they should base your net worth on badges. Think about it. You see a 4 star General with a uniform full of medals, you know he's done some shit. CoH could be similar. I mean, when you do especially heroic things, you get a badge. Different badges could represent lines of credit, let's say. Just a thought.
Also, badges can't be just passed off to an alt like INF can, so there's that aspect as well.