I agree it's not good for the health of the server, it will scare newcomers for sure. I personally find this whole Sayha system, limited soulshots and spirit ore mumbo jumbo quite annoying as it really limits non spenders income. All your gains go to the resources that you need to make it through the next day.
Some may argue; hey they gave out free spirit ores and soulshot tickets with the "promo code" but that's just a bandaid on a big open soaking wound.
I'm pretty certain they made it like this intentionally. Luckily I've been around since server start and can now sustain those basic needs but I'm quite certain a lot of newcomers will be disgusted by these practices.
Indeed the question is, will it keep luring in new players or is this game just for those who started at the beginning and found a way to self-sustain with minimal investment?
As for the RMT, etc. I can't comment on that. I'm too much of a casual and I've really no clue what happens there.