So players were not involved at all from the beginning (two years ago) and also at the conclusion. Runescape cannot exist without RS gold players. EVE Online doesn't, WoW doesn't. Both of these provided me with jaw-dropping service when compared to Runescape. Therefore, I'm not worried about the survival of WoW and EVE. "Because they've proven it to work. Runescape was never created if that argument is applicable to new versions. MMOs can be found on the internet for fifteen years. It is not a long time to find traditional panaceas.
Jagex is pursuing easy money. Unregulated gambling in a game with addictive characteristics, SoF is a natural match. Is it permanent? No. It's not. Japan was able to do this in recent times when they controlled their social gaming, which also included some gambling. The game businesses were shut down. Because by that time OSRS buy gold they weren't concerned about the game, only the money.