As a new member, with previous pc golf experience, I can state from experience that the new system works well, and that the opportunity is always there to upgrade to competitive equipment as one goes up to the upper tier. I already have G10 pro clubs, which became available as I turned pro and did not depend on levels. As I progress other options will open up, and that is admittedly a defensible incentive to play on.
The problem concerns old members, and the Sept. sale is meant to address that issue. WGT, after all, does know what it's doing.