i have saw the argument for this game free or not, this is a good question, maybe this game should be free but this is not the reason to release the game without the permission from author. As a Chinese, and i have the experience live both in China or EU. In my own opinion ,This argue may coz by the different gaming culture for free the game and high cost for customise.
First, i know guys assume wolf like a modder, mod should be free for everyone. sure, i know. To be honest , i have no idea how the modder gain money to keep them live, maybe the ppl will donate the money for them. However, Chinese guy not do that, we will pay for their work not by donate. This is a culture difference. I think wolf is still hard to decide, we cannot separate this game in different payment way. As i know , he already started a vote for free or not by 1 dollar supporter. So, be patient until he figure out the double win solution.
Then let's talk about the expensive customise, 16 dollars or even more. In China online gaming market, some permanent customise cost 100 dollar and even more. I have played some game both in EU and CN server, the same customise can drop by mobs in EU server, but Cn server you have to purchase. This is the state of Chinese gaming market, i dont think it will have much difference by support 1 dollar or more, the basic gaming experience will not change, There is no DLC quest or something else, if you cannot accept that cost then just get the basic vision.
At the end, please give your respect for the game author. Thanks guys.