You mean, like spears and crossbows?
In any case, it's Bethesda's business model. If there's profit to be made and idiots will shell out money for it, there's no incentive to do otherwise. The trend isn't new. You can already buy items or whatever crap in other games already.
You can whine about it or sue Bethesda, I guess.
EDIT: Besides, Bethesda's bolder than you think http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.p...howtopic=340806