I have been eagerly waiting for more information about the RMAH. Needless to say, I was a bit shocked at the magnitude of transaction fees. Despite this, I am still OK with them and I think we need to consider some key factors before we continuously blast blizzard. I've seen nothing but negative posts on the recently accounced fee structure so I'm being Mr. contrarian
Diablo 3 is a free game: Consider a $15/mo WoW fee. Think about how much loot you'd be selling to provide the same revenue stream to blizzard. You are still earning a nice chunk of change for playing a game FOR FUN and will probably end up paying less in recurring fees even if you sell a lot
The RMAH is an optional exchange service: If you don't like it then don't use it. Stay with GAH or use an OTC exchnge. Presumably, the in game RMAH will provide a convenient, safe exchange mechanism with a gauranteed clearing mechanism, providing enhanced liquidity and faster fair market price discovery. I'm sure OTC alternative will arise with a seperate set of risks and hassles
RMAH should provide Blizzard significant incentive to maintain/extend the game: This is perhaps the most critical attribute. The presense of the Blizz sanctioned RMAH, with rather hefty fees should provide them with financial incentive to maintain game security, fight hacks, dupes, and botting. Blizz won't benefit from a supply boom that craters prices (driven by say exploits and mining bots) and now mutual objectives for longevity is even more aligned. Additionally, keeping the game fun and adding extra capability to drive/sustain user base (demand side) is now there, beyond just X-pacs
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