The logo next to WGT on the game window says 'Beta'. So, WGT folks, please take note of the following:
Beta Test: Second level, external pilot-test of a product (usually a software) before commercial quantity production. At the beta test stage, the product has already passed through the first-level, internal pilot-test (alpha test) and glaring defects have been removed. But (since the product may still have some minor problems that require user participation) it is released to selected customers for testing under normal, everyday conditions of use to spot the remaining flaws. ~BusinessDictionary.com
Beta Test: A test for a computer product prior to commercial release. Beta testing is the last stage of testing, and normally can involve sending the product to beta test sites outside the company for real-world exposure or offering the product for a free trial download over the Internet. Beta testing is often preceded by a round of testing called alpha testing. ~Webopedia.com
Note the highlights, equating to prior to commercial production. You're now charging pretty hefty sums of money for a product in a game clearly still in the Beta stage. Heck, you are still messing around with where on the screen to place the icon for removing the flag. This product is not nearly finished, and I don't find it all that ethical to continue to charge your 'free' testing squad (namely us) to work out all the kinks in your game. Yes, yes I know we can play the game for free, but in order to test out all the product, we have to pay. If everyone played for free as it stands right now, you'd not have anyone to try out that brand new Ping V2 Rapture Pro set now would you?
Charging donation fees for entering tournaments with prize giveaways is one thing, but charging $32.00 USD for the newest clubset and a whopping $1.10 for a 3-pack of the newest balls that last about 6 rounds is not really in the spirit of what the Beta phase is all about. Sure, once the Beta is over, I have no issue with your pricing whatsoever, but this is not the Final release. This is Beta, and that implies by definition, 'free'. We should not be paying like this to test out your product. You get our real-world testing services for free. If you want to go commercial on us, then call the game done and release it.
Think about that as you continue to raise prices and reduce tournament purse amounts.
P.S. to my detractors who would say, "Oh Tibbets, you ungrateful jerk, stop your whining and be grateful for what you've won", I will say that I am speaking up on behalf of the 99.9% of the other players out there who don't have a 4000 credit stockpile to throw around messing with all the new equipment. This company has had millions of dollars of funding to create this game, so we really don't need to hold a bake-sale here to buy balls and clubs. If we do, then we need to be asked for our help, not just priced by mandate in overnight updates.