We'll agree to disagree eh, about high prices (and, actually, high isn't a sufficient word there - astronomical is a much better one )showing a healthy game.
And, actually, about a happy HCS, given, as Hades said, FSP's were flooding into the game via offers. I somehow doubt the income from an offer yielding 400 fsp was the same as a donation "purchase" of 400 fsp
All the items would be selling for overall more. Not just that one item. When items sell for more players who don't donate can progress faster. For those who are lazy and choose to buy the item opposed to farming or making/whatever lose out but as it should be.