Conspiracies Ahead.
Eventually (Soon TM) Tarkov will enter into a wipeless state. BSG needs data that can potentially extrapolate what that version of the game looks like. They also need performance data to attempt to optimize the game and maps.
Lighthouse loot is/has been so much better because BSG needs people on the map for that data. The loot on the rest of the maps is turned down to further encourage players to go to Lighthouse.
Your Flea Market rep is being tested for a wipeless Tarkov state, and I'm pretty sure Nikita has mentioned in podcasts/interviews that he wasn't interested in Tarkov becoming a market simulator.
Item Unavailability and trader limits are meant to reflect the setting of an already scavenged, conflict heavy/war torn region.
BSG needs gameplay data that more closely reflects the future of the game. I'm excited by the scarcity because to me it signals that they need less testing of the items themselves and more testing of setting and atmosphere in Tarkov (one of struggle and scarcity), which hopefully suggests that the game is getting closer to a more complete state. I believe BSG's intent is to create a perpetually hostile, constantly uncomfortable atmosphere. I believe Tarkov is at its best when the larger player base is uncomfortable (like a fresh wipe).
I personally can't wait for Flea Market same day delivery to be turned off, or it becomes barter only, or you have to navigate your PMC to a literal flea market location to pick up or put things on offer.
I can't see progression getting anything but slower in this game as eventually there may never be a next wipe to rely on to "balance" the game or whatever. Of course I would love to have my cake and eat it too, so hopefully we get some kind of ladder or seasons to experience the intense experience that is Tarkov's fresh wipe state.
Anyways thanks for coming to my TED talk, I'm putting away my tinfoil hat now.
