Well, to FFXI's credit I think it was one of the first MMO's to use an auction house? Not sure if Ultima Online did but I don't think the others did (like Everquest, Asheron’s Call, etc.). I guess perhaps it's just I had always wished they'd continue to fix the problems with the AH system and they never really did, though perhaps that is just a limitation with the engine or the way the mechanics are set up in general.