I have the same problem as you Ethan. But still... even if it takes me an ***load of time getting those oh so desirable items (including learning how to twist as much gold as possible from marketplace and selling everything that isn't a part of the dream avi), I still can't hate the cash shop.
Granted I'm sick of all the updates, and ignored the little conversation involving Timmy's 100 and 1 problems, but the possibilities involving my avatar and a handful of EIs are irresistible + it's a safe way to support gaia.
I'm trying to pretend that it's just an expansion of the monthly collectible. A very frequent monthly collectible...