Not so simple.
Costs keep rising since GCs that were free or paid a bonus before (Staples and OM/OD card sales) no longer liquidate as before, and just finding the specialized cards that still work (GD, Sunnies, USB) now is more difficult since they are not nearly as abundant as metas. (I don't even know where to find a Sunnie )

Finally, even if one finds the new cards, you have to be able to purchase them with CCs and not all merchants permit that behavior.

For whales, this is a dagger in the heart for them. For small fry, it begs the question as to whether it is even worth the time of effort to continue the game.

With Covid restrictions again rearing its ugly head along with travel restrictions for the foreseeable future, there is currently little reason to pursue the game for travel related benefits (I am not discussing those playing for income).

I am on hiatus for the rest of the year (which is probably good given the dramatic spike in viral infections) until I see what shakes out. I think that more surprises may be in the offing and I have no desire to be stuck with GCs that are impossible to liquidate other than ordinary spend.