Good explanation.As a CBT player and a person who've played games with VIP system..
Although the idea of their VIP level and system is similar to Chinese games, the rewards are no where near as absurd as those games.
For example, in Chinese games VIP level would grant you access to stuff like: extra daily event runs, the ability to reset energy refill 10 more times, opening treasure box exclusive to VIP every day, free gacha tickets every day, extra ATK and DEF buff etc etc. Valiant Force gives you none of that, but just extra item like a bit extra energy per day, some express tickets, faster expedition time, a bit more item from the farm in your town.
The free equipment they give are also later available from quests and crafts, from what I see Armory level 10+ can already craft 4* items.
Although VIP players would ofcourse have faster progression, nothing seems to be gated.
Anyway, I think those absurd VIP system from Chinese game have scared people off so much that when people heard that there is some kind of VIP system, they immediately assume the worse. Even the ones that have not tried the game are put off when they heard about it.
People just like to assume for the worst.
Have faith in the developers!
And got to thanks the whales!