These VIP items were in games even before paid microtransactions. For example there were games that gave XP boosts for playing every day, and not missing a single day. It's basically rewarding an addiction. I never acted on these incentives, I mean I didn't load up the game just for that, but there are probably many people who couldn't resist it.

As someone who almost exclusively plays single player games, this issue doesn't seem as serious yet. Well to me the issue is the devs turning away from single player campaigns and focusing on competitive online games that can be monetized in this manner.

AAA games can't afford to lock away half the game, because you paid for the game, not for half the game. My wallet closes easier than most people's, if I get the slightest hint of being scammed by a publisher / dev I cut them off immediately. If they stop making games to my liking then I won't be playing new games. It's sad but it wouldn't be the end of the world. There are already very few games released that are of interest to me.