I sign.
The first time I joined Gaia, I thought it was really cool. I could talk to different people who wouldn't judge me on how I dressed, I could play some games, and (even though my friends think I'm a dork for it) I love dressing things up. Now, though, it's a little sad.
I understand that some things should definitely be paid for with real money. In fact, I actually kind of like it. If it's a good item, and I want it, it forces me to be ambitious, patient, and determined if I plan on getting it with gold. Some prices are too high, and I understand that, too, but I think wanting something is part of what makes it so cool. The second you get it, it's like "Great, now what?"
I do think it's sad that so much of Gaia is run by real money. I'm what is considered 'dirt poor.' It's bad enough that people with money in real life get all of the good things; it shouldn't spill over onto an online community, too.