Blizzard introduces "official" method of $$$ to gold

[Concillian]

$10 One time use BoE pet available at the Blizzard store.

Q: Could I put the Guardian Cub up on the auction house to try to make some gold if I wanted to?

While our goal is to offer players alternative ways to add a Pet Store pet to their collection, we’re ok with it if some players choose to use the Guardian Cub as a safe and secure way to try to acquire a little extra in-game gold without turning to third-party gold-selling services. However, please keep in mind that there's never any guarantee that someone will purchase what you put up for sale in the auction house, or how much they'll pay for it. Also, it’s important to note that we take a firm stance against buying gold from outside sources because in most cases, the gold these companies offer has been stolen from compromised accounts. (You can read more about our stance here.) While some players might be able to acquire some extra gold by putting the Guardian Cub in the auction house, that’s preferable to players contributing to the gold-selling “black market” and account theft.

I consider it a pretty large step, and not a very good one.

It certainly has the potential to become a player bassed currency (Stone of Jordan) While I doubt this will happen, it does make it possible to legitimately 'buy gear' now... at least craftables and BoE gear. Also potentially services (carry me through xyz instance for gear).

Interested in other Lurker opinions.