Quote Originally Posted by 'Fursphere',index.php?page=Thread&postID=209902#po st209902
Its basically the same thing they did in BC when the ZA badge gear went live.

Except its not new gear.
Exactly, but they've said over and over they prefer the tiered system, this is a pretty big step back from that statement. I always figured they'd eventually keep the casuals a tier or two behind but I never figured it would equate to a one to one badge upgrade.

In the end, it's a way to get people back in 5 mans which helps up and coming players as well as alts and more importantly, adds another grind fest to the game for casuals and raiders alike. Right now, if you don't raid, even as a casual player, you're probably maxed on things to do unless you’re in to achievements.