I completely understand feeling overwhelmed by the changes, especially when it comes to the in-game economy. It seems like there's this pressure to follow a specific progression path, complete with all these intricate steps involving merits, splanges, and shoobadoo enhancements. But hey, that's not everyone's cup of tea.
You're absolutely entitled to play the game your own way, running missions, earning inf, and picking up enhancements that suit your level and playstyle. The beauty of CoX has always been its flexibility and the freedom it offers to players.
Sure, the auction house might seem like a chaotic mess at times, but there are still plenty of opportunities to thrive without diving deep into the high-stakes economy game.