Upkeep was increased because there is now a way to influence it with personal skill, thus resulting in a higher multiplicator for better players.
Also, we wanted to see lower priced equipment in general.
Good players adapt, weak players lobby.
Oh shit. I see we've been wrong this WHOLE TIME.
Sorry new players, you can't use good equipment yet because you're not good enough.
Oh and archers who can't use the better arrows, stop being terrible.
Sorry cav, you guys just plain suck.
Oh and all you people crying when a clan comes on and rolls the server for a couple hours? Sorry, they're just that much better than you.
Thankfully I have so much gold I don't have to worry about upkeep because I'm SOOO AWESOME.
Don't worry though, there is hope. All you have to do is retire and sell your heirloom point. That makes you SOOOO AWESOME that you don't need to worry about upkeep again.
Glad we finally figured this out.