The game IS CHEAPER to play now then it was 4 years ago for example. Let's think about Hedoc Mayhem, how expensive they were compared to their prices today and compared to the new EK series that is much better & much cheaper. Rings and other buffs also makes your gameplay cheaper, NOW. If you cannot justify to yourself the price of an item, don't buy it; but to ask the devs to change it because it's confusing for you, with all due respect..., it's bullshit. Buy or don't. Free market and stuff... nothing ever was crystal clear in this game, about items, about anything, it was always the community who worked together and came up with how things work or theories about how others could work. And things should stay somewhat the same way, IMHO.
Looking at your activity in game from EntropiaLife tracker, I think you shouldn't do many investments as your lack of it (activity) does not justify buying gear because the ROI would suck for you like a mofo. Do something that is cheap and fun, be it forum posting, item and community trolling...
Early adopting has advantages and disadvantages, be it in the game or outside of it. You're taking some risks, hoping for some benefits. No one forces you to take the risk.. it's just that.. a risk.
About the rings, players know it may be temporary, most of them. Some will whine, some will adopt, some will leave, most will stick around and take the next risk available on the table and some of those who risk will win, some will not... a never ending challenge...