OP I get your frustration. I think it was incredibly shady what Bungie/Activision reduced the year 1 game down too when TTK released. Only offering a lvl20 strike playlist and not letting you openly choose which PvP game mode you want play was a filthy tactic IMO. They are essentially forcing.insisting you buy TTK in order to really enjoy Destiny anymore. I think most of the anger stems from the restrictions to non-dlc players in year 1 and the changes to this in year 2, in year 1 only owning base game still did not restrict from nightfalls, heroics, or IB. You could still hit max level (although slower) and do strikes/story missions when they were on vanilla. Year 2 obviously this is no longer possible, which why there is anger. HOWEVER........ Bungie have redeemed themselves massively with TTK, so far its been a great expansion and they honestly have executed it well, trust me it was actually worth the £40 ($62) and I've barely scratched the surface of it. Judging by the amount of playtime you have OP, hell you have played this game more than me so you must enjoy this game, I would bet money you would love TTK. But without TTK, Destiny is a dead game for you there is very little point in playing it until you get TTK. Wait a little longer if you are not convinced, watch some videos, read review, etc then choose where your money goes.