Wow, I haven't been around in a while, didn't realize how quiet the place had gotten. I'm sorry to see it, as this has always been one of the strongest Neopets fan sites I've seen... I do understand though that Neo has changed a lot over the years. I don't play the way I used to, and it is largely due to the changes. Even the things I enjoy are dampened a bit by the fact that if I want to really stay in that top tier of players I have to continue to pay for new items or challenges, and that players who pay more can achieve things I can't even through working and playing the games. I'm sure they're making money hand over fist with that stuff, honestly, but I do think for longer term players, even premium players like myself, it has lessened our enjoyment.
I wish sometimes they'd make it like some of the other sites, where once you pay you have the same access to everything. That way at least it could be a once a year cost, rather than dollars for every item you want. Just to participate fully in the "stocking stufftacular" this year costs 20$. That may not seem like a lot, but couple it with perhaps wanting to buy a background for your pet, or participate in the Games Master NC challenges and you can spend a fortune.
Anyway, I know all this likely isn't that useful to us here in this thread... It's just when I see a thread like this one it makes me sad, and I thought I'd bring that to the table where I'm sure there are others who feel the same. I will definitely try to come around more myself here, and also read back and look through some more of people's ideas about how to help.
All my best to the folks who run PPT, it has been a pleasure.