[quote=OverconfidentMagi]
It's just strange seeing things for sale for hundreds of platinum when in most other contexts 1 plat is enough to buy anything you could possibly want. Does the prices of goods increase exponentially, or do the level one monsters start off dropping gold pieces?
[/quote]

Everything is Exponential. that stops low teir players buying in to higher levels. 
Sure 1 plat will get you good gear, and prep you up for a standard dungeon run, But what if lets say you want to tank, and want a adamantine shield of +400 vit +400 resistance and +50% chance the enemy to miss? that shit be cray expensive yo! also, against a lump of shaped metal (which is what a sword is) how much do you think a freaking AIRSHIP costs? Go look up the price of a Challenger 2 Tank, Brand new. It might help your perspective.