Just curious, when you go to a fast food place and order a burger, do you complain that the fries and drink cost extra? Buy a house and complain that it doesn't come with furniture?
You paid $30 for 2 expansions and no sub fee, which neither said they'd give you bank tabs, and can buy everything in the gem store with in game currency. How many other games let you spend in game gold in their real money store? It's not that long of a grind to make gold unless you are ridiculously casual. And I'm pretty kitten causal.
Yes, I will happily defend ArenaNet, cause Guild Wars doesn't force me to pay just to play and gives the option to earn those upgrades. Because their story is unique and delivered to the player better than most other games. But if it's not worth it to you, so be it, have fun on those other mmo's you prefer.