We set the expectations clear when we first announced the game.
1) We are against Pay 2 Win in any form.
2) We believe that Guild Wars 2 buy to play model is best to keep multiplayer world running.
After discussions with fans it was decided that premium ships (beautiful age of sail vessels) and customization (skins, colors, flags, nose figureheads, stern decorations) are best and only options for the game.
Community have decided on the following rules for premium ships
Well crafted ship of the similar class must be better in terms of upgrade slots and officer quarters.
3rd, second, and first ships of the line must be only player crafted (no premium ships).
Consider them DLCs or developer gifts for generous donations.
Some people give yacht as an example of premium ship - yacht was given to everyone who bought the game before launch on steam.
We are a small team and know that for us the only way to expand the line up of ships significantly and faster is to do it with help from the community . If we needed them only for the money we would be selling them already.
Two other methods to get the same results from the premium ships are these
Donation button
Kickstarter packages (which will make ships available for everyone). For example US Superfrigate ship pack Kickstarter (to replicate all important us vessels above 36 gun + remake the constitution hull).