Firstly, don't panic! Remember forums are just that, a place to discuss ideas and exchange thoughts on current situations.
So many people expect to get results by throwing angry statements on forums. This often will disappoint.
Remember the staff and game developers for TSO are employed to do the job requirements set out by people a lot higher up the chain of command.
They may be given free reign to make new ideas a reality, but at the end of the day they are there for one reason. To make the company money in any way they can.
If you have a genuine gripe about this new 'idea' and you think the developers have got it wrong and you seriously want it reviewed then you should consider writing to BB head office directly.
Dont use aggressive language or rush your point through, you should structure a complaint in a mature manner explaining what you think is wrong and why.
Head office will listen to you if you come across as genuine and serious, they are a business and you are a potential customer, it is in their best interest to do what is right if they want your continued loyal custom and a potential buyer of their products.
Many of the younger players will not understand this and you expect to see a lot of 'unfair' comments, but take a deep breath and do the right thing and your voice can be hear'd.
My personal views on this long awaited feature are also that to have it buy gems only is a bit unfair on all players.
Maybe a new buff available in the enhanced provisions house would be more appropriate, especially if keeping in line with the era the settlers is set in.
Maybe it should be a skill available to a new specialist, to build upon and require some elements already in game such as mentioned the gun powder and other resources to build the components of the buff.
By all means have it available in the shop to buy but at least give people the option to create the buff the 'long way round' should they choose to.
Many people would be happy to buy gems in small doses, often, if the money spent was deemed good value for the gain received.
This current option for this feature has obviously upset many people, but you don't have to buy it. It is just that, an option, at the moment.
Why not let it ride, and if no one buys it they will be forced to re-evaluate their poor choice of delivering the new feature. It does seem like a money spin to crawl back some cash quickly by enticing you to have something you want but constantly play mind games by displaying it but making you pay big for it. Like having a Porche car tied in ribbon outside your house, its yours, but the keys will cost you more than you can afford
Thanks for listening to my small rant, no offence was intended to anyone.
JP