@babyleech et al.--

I think your comment about some form of reward for good/helpful beta testers is a GREAT idea... and is something every beta should consider. Whether it's a free pack(s), access to a wider variety of avatars, or whatever, it certainly helps motivate the community to contribute. Although we would probably need some rough guidelines to define what "good and helpful" really is in the eyes of the devs...

The only other thought I have on this issue is that buying cards during the beta could be viewed in the same way as ordering...well.. anything "pre-release". Nothing's forcing you to buy, and given the AI/league setup, you really don't have to buy anything to have access to a wide variety of cards. And if/when you do support FTW by buying gold-- unlike a pre-release, you get to make use of your purchase NOW, and when the game is actually released.

You were quite correct that it was not my intention to offend anyone--my apologies. I only used McDonalds because they have a strong international brand that most people can identify with... and my movie theater analogy was intended to illustrate the fact that people are often willing to pay for something that "may or may not" actually be entertaining, but are often unwilling to pay for something AFTER they've enjoyed it (assuming they're not forced or otherwise obligated). And I won't get into a conversation about the comparative value of the dollar across nations with varying standards of living... so I'll just leave it at that.

Although my favorite thought in this thread was mindstheater's "Because Jed needs to eat."

I lol'd heartily when I saw that.

Hmmm...

I agree that - probably - majority rather choose something unknown than known when it comes to buy/not buy something. Probably there is just too many products around and companies strategy is usually to produce as big fireworks as possible so a customer would see only them.

Now, buying cards during beta (even if you can play with them) should be rewarded, I believe. One of the differences between pre-order and buying cards to not really released game is that if pre-orderded game will not be released you can claim your money back. If TFW would disappear tomorrow or there would be no players to play with one could do nothing. That's the main difference I see (of course I do not wish TFW this scenario!).

Rewarding has this - let's call it - psychological factor that it motivates. Seems like developers are willing to give $1000 in a tournament to encourage players to really playtest the game, why wouldn't they will to give for free something like gold or cards (in other words: not real money)?
I believe it wouldn't hurt at all. Satisfied player = playing and spreading positivity player. Satisfied player = supporting player. Supporting player = player telling friends about a game. Etc. etc.

So, for the good of players and the game itself I will keep opting for giving some rewards here and there (small or big, this is not as important as rewards at all).