Originally Posted by ZeroWashu

I think the key here is that it doesn't matter if the non-raiders have the loot. They aren't going to make use of it. However I put odds on it that they make up the bulk of the subscriptions and as such Blizzard realizes that they want to look cool too. Who cares if they can put it to use. Good players know each other. They form guilds and within these guilds they form cliques.

If mr. casual wants in with his badge/crafted loot he still has to earn his way in. He may get in the door but to stay in the room he still has to play. Thus what separates the raider from the casual. The raiders are not diminished because its not the loot that they should be aiming for. Its the fact they can do this content, they are coordinated, and they dedicated. The problem comes in is that outside of loot what is their reward for doing it?

If Blizzard can solve that last problem it would be an amazing feat. How do they recognize the people who push the edge from the rest without alienating either party? I am quite happy with content that is not accessible to everyone. I have the choice to join a guild which pushes the envelope.