Thank you, Citan, for your answers!

Pugmak - and then, we can all do circus hangouts! yesssss.

Personally, I do not support 'pay to win'. BUT - so far Gorgon has not been that, and there have been assurances it never will.
Want versus Need:
Of course, you want a magic stick, super horse and housing. BUT - do you need these to access high level content? nope. Can you buy some of this stuff in game? Yup! if VIP store is open to anyone with enough councils, it means you can spend RL money (for those with no time, but has money) or councils (for those with no money, but has time.) Horses and Tigers can be bred, so it is only a matter of time before players start selling colts and kittens. If you don't have time or money.. I suggest making friends that will help you raise councils in game. (Joining an active guild and high end work orders helps a lot.) Maybe you can become a couch gnome at their house, if you refuse to rent an apartment. Who knows!

Just remember, want vs. need. Will you die without it? Will not having this prevent you from progressing in the game? Is there another way of getting it?
Be creative, be kind, have fun!