First post! I've been reading the Eternity updates for a while, and finally decided I needed to join the forum.
Anyway, to me a large part of the problem is big companies like EA being run by non-gamers who don't understand the product they're trying to sell. To them, all games are the same, so if microtransactions work in a casual, f2p game, they'll work even better in a big game. I expect the Shepard's apartment on the Citadel to wedge microtransactions into the DLC. The sad thing is, there are people who will probably lay down cash so Shep has a better bed or throw pillow for his CitadelIKEA sofa. It's an extension of the "appearance packs" they're already selling.