The only reason having them exist in the first place wasn't morally reprehensible from my viewpoint of someone watching an abusive and greedy-to-a-fault game industry.
What did the deceased free crates represent to you?
Nothing much.
They were nice to have, but so are tons of other free login rewards.
I always saw them as "first taste is free" attempts to get more people hooked on the crown crate gambling, but... for me that's not that big of a thing, since I spend my crowns when I feel something is worth it, and don't hope on "gettying lucky" in some draw.
Also, as has been mentioned, they might be back. Or not, who knows, or cares? Gifted Guar and all that, right?
A way to save up gems and, when I was close to get something I wanted, maybe buy a crate or two.
it was an obvious way to save up gems, and yes ZoS noticed this so we don't get more.
sitting on over 300 gems now so it will be an long time to I buy crates.
An incentive to buy more crates to get other stuff and more gems.
Glad they are gone (if they are!) I haven't bought any crates since they haven't given any free - the free ones would entice me to buy more - so since they stopped so have I lol
Aimora Gilidhren - 50 Hybrid Sorcerer
Aimae Gilihdril - 50Templar Healer
Aimsae Astasia - 50 Templar Tank
Aimellie Halfpenny - 50 Nightblade spinning DPS
Sofae Ethelbur - 50 Dragonknight Tank
Sha'Mash 50 - Nightblade - Former Empress
Saelenor Wilihfren 50 - Templar No. 3
Seliene Harbingerin 50 - DK in training
Aims For Equanimity 10 - Magicka DK
Circle of the Phoenix - Guild Mistress
Elysium - Guild 2nd in Command
Auridon Trading Company - Joint GM
A way to save up gems and, when I was close to get something I wanted, maybe buy a crate or two.
It was nice, gave me some more gems which I am holding onto for something down the road. Did not really care one way or the other, the crates are just a thing that I am totally neutral towards. If they have something I want I might try my luck at buying some, if not then meh who cares. With no issues of income and no gambling issue, they really are just there to me.
A reminder of how bad this system is. They were the only I'd ever open or get.
Couldn't care less about them. I don't gamble. OK, I did get a few nice things from the freebies, but I also got a lot of crap that now fills up my collections and will never be used.
I'm sitting on a few hundred or so gems, waiting for something nice to come along.
I just want to see the whole gamble crate BS gone. Forever.
RIP Atherton, my beautiful little gentle friend. I will miss you forever. Without you I am a hollow shell.