Customization helps a game and makes it more engaging, but RNG severely hampers that aspect. Here is the problem and the solution(s). I can understand a grind. Bungie needs us to spend ample time on the game, but there comes a point when a player doesn't want to grind anymore, period. It's different for different people. However, one thing that helps a grind is having what you want right there to work for. It may not be attainable for some time, but it's there to look at and look forward to. This is where RNG really hurts Destiny, especially with it comes to light level and armor. For instance, I like to have high intelligence and discipline with low strength. I like to have certain buffs for some weapons over others (hand cannon ammo over auto rifle), and I like it with certain pieces of armor for aesthetic reasons. The problem is, at this point, I don't feel like I'll ever achieve it, or I won't for many many more weeks. Not because of lack of skill, but just cause the RNG odds are completely stacked against me. For instance, the hunter boots for New Monarchy. I want them for their aesthetics, but they don't have stats that match what I need for my gameplay. So what are my options? To build my reputation until I lvl up and get a package. At that point, I get the package and I might get those boots, and they might have my stats. THEN I have to grind to get other gear with higher light lvl so I can use my boots (if I ever get them) in Iron Banner or the Raid. All of that coming together seems pretty slim, and that's coming from someone who enjoys grinding Destiny. It's taken me this long to get what I have now, with a lot of hours of gameplay, but all players have their limit. Of the 25 million who have created accounts, how many still grind I wonder? And if they don't, how many quit with sour memories of a game that felt like an impossible marathon rather than reward for their hours? If a player puts in 300 hours (that's a lot by the way), but enjoyed the game enough to buy each installment, you've won, Bungie. But if they log 1000+ hours of frustration, disappointment and rage and quit because it seems their time has been wasted and consequently they buy no more DLCs, Microtransactions or Sequels, you haven't won. Bungie, either change your expectations or change your style because if the game feels stacked against the player, then that is not something a casual player will come back to, and even hard cores have their limits. Yea you have the most hard core, elitist players or the new comers, but they're a minority. How long can you sustain your business on a minority? You put out a sequel, but the year long player just got fed up with the changes and lag and ridiculous requirements to obtain weapons, then the playtime has actually worked against you as it only served to cement that resentment. So here's a solution to consider. Not saying this the golden egg. I'm just trying to help. Put the desired equipment out there to see. Don't make us hope for it. put all versions of armor out with the vendor, or make the stats change from week to week so we can see the armor with the stats and perks we want. For items that we can't buy like raid items, make simple quests to acquire items that let you customize it. Spindle to give the item a discipline stat and helium to give the item intelligence. This is FAR and AWAY more preferable. Waiting for just right drop is NOT the same as "working" for something and is, in reality, enraging for all but the most elite (or inexperienced). Steps are always better than RNG. Time gates that literally stop us from our pursuits don't help either. Extended fun game play is great, but forced extended gameplay not fun. Better the player has fond memories for a short time, than frustrating ones for an extended time. Pre-edit: And for the dorks (yes dorks) that say to "just put in a little work" or think that the ability to grind a video game for artificial material is somehow desirable or sexy quality to have, Destiny is not a job and it doesn't make you a worth while person, and there are more important things to "work" at in life. So unless you're a streamer or you make actual real life money from it somehow (as opposed to glimmer or marks), you just sound stupid when you make that argument. Destiny is not real life. It's a video game. A game with great mechanics, but a still a game, and should be treated as such.