So, given that a lot of similar threads are being locked, and other than being "disorderly" I cannot see how they violate the forum rules, lets try and keep this on target and clean.

I'm curious about the general opinions here on this approach to content, but, to frame the discussion first:

1) This is not a discussion of game balance. There are no official racial bonuses announced yet, after all

2) I would also like to avoid a discussion of value/worth regarding the preorder/Imperial edition content. This is not about 'poor people unable to afford something' or 'overpaying for a small amount of content'

I would like this thread, if possible, to address the core of what's happening here: A core TES race, obviouslly fully ready for launch, being withheld and sold as premium content. These are not 'cosmetic' bonuses. This is the ability to play as an Imperial with "exclusive abilities." Again, this is withheld content, Day-1-DLC if you will, in a premium-priced and subscription based MMO.

***From back in August, an interview with ZOS general manager Matt Firor***

"The Elder Scrolls games are all about allowing the player to go where they want, be who they want, and do what they want. We feel that putting pay gates between the player and content at any point in game ruins that feeling of freedom, and just having one small monthly fee for 100% access to the game fits the IP and the game much better than a system where you have to pay for features and access as you play."

"Plus, players will appreciate not having to worry about being 'monetized' in the middle of playing the game, which is definitely a problem that is cropping up more and more in online gaming these days," he added. "The fact that the word "monetized" exists points to the heart of the issue for us: We don't want the player to worry about which parts of the game to pay for - with our system, they get it all."

I had this weird dream last night and it was about eso, now they did not remove the faction lock but that add the option to be a hired mercenary to the other factions

Yup. Pretty normal

Trying to remember the last time I played a AAA game that DIDN'T have Day 1 DLC or desireable exclusive CE content. Been a while First time I encountered this, I kicked and screamed as loudly as others here. I got over it.

Not saying I approve; I don't, really. But I've had a lot of pleasure from other games that did this. Sometimes I paid the premium, sometimes I didn't, depending on what the content was. Either way, turned out the world didn't end. And those games, most of em, succeeded, so it's not hard to see why ZOS's marketing department thought it would be a cool idea.

Not saying I do, but a person who disagrees with a game's price tag and the developers implementation of content but still wants to play the game has the avenue of piracy so as to make sure they don't support the developers shenanigans.

With an MMO this [censored] is unheard of.

I have mostly the same sentiment here. I'm really excited for what all the developers and designers have put together here.

I'm bothered by Day 1 DLC in general, but I'm just particularly bothered in this case for three reasons:
1) It's a core TES race who's absence was lamented from the beginning

2) ZOS's representatives have publicly expressed a commitment to avoid monetization like this.

3) This is unprecedented amongst full-priced, subscription MMOs (correct me if I'm wrong)