From Dark and Darker Wiki
< Why Added Rewards FOR ALPHA GAME?
Just because its a virtual item doesn't make it less valuable. Do you buy food based upon the cheapest most nutritious thing or do you buy things that taste good.
You don't even get to enjoy that purchase again you have to keep paying to do that. A virtual item you can enjoy for years or possibly even for life. Just because you get better stimulation from other things doesn't mean you get to devalue the things others get the most stimulation and enjoyment from.