That change to an Eve like format can't be understated. I think it is a new direction just as much as Station Cash was. SOE seems to be "experimenting" a lot more here laltely with EQ2. I think that bodes well for the players, but not necessarily the game as a whole. (Why do they need to experiment? something doesn't seem to be working, which is worrisome)

What do you guys think about this change?

Some good commentary here:

An Attempt at Economic Stimulus in Everquest II
Time’s up… here’s your reward.

Its certainly Eve/Planetside like with the idea of time progressing you along, while I'd like the masters I would not just want them served up for free at
the maximum level though, as the stimulus article says there is a lot of item/stat inflation going on here which is a zero sum game. I suppose if its done as they say though with months needed at level 80 and hours needed at level 20 it will all just come down to a buff for people levelling (especially those that get stuck or take time out from the game).

I would rather see the research thing stop though before the maximum level with maybe a token system to cut down on the random drops a little, all in all though if the time to acquire masters at level 80 takes months then all but the most casual of guilds will find raiding a better route. In that case I'm kind of surprised by the idea since it looks to result in a buff to levelling, something I didn't think I'd see when they put Station Cash XP potions in the game.

So overall if they stick to the months at level 80 thing it sounds good to me and actually adds something extra to the game.