Yeah it's a shit model, but players want constant updates to a multiplayer experience. The biggest benefit is that games don't get as fragmented between a base and updated "ultimate" edition. I missed out playing a lot of Xrd Rev 1 online because I don't think it was worth the upgrade from Xrd Sign (at the time). Eventually got Rev 2 when I thought it had enough value. In the SFV / Tekken 7 model, I would have been able to keep playing competitive online, but I was locked out in the case of Xrd.

I think the Battle-Pass that is done in Apex Legends / Fortnight is a better way. Pay a little to get bonuses that encourage playing but leave a majority of the meaty content available. People who aren't us in this subreddit, seem to like stuff like MK Crypts, Towers, and quest-stuffs for unlocking costumes. I visit another gaming forum was amazed that no one would want to really play online there, but they all had bonus stats on some outfit on Injustice 2... and then you start finding out who bought the 10+ million copies of each NRS game.

I kind of feel what you're sayinig... but abusive isn't quite the right word for it? Like, it sucks showing someone new a fighting game, like Tekken 7, and saying "Yeah that whole top row of characters you can't pick because they're DLC..." just doesn't feel... good.