Yes, it is an odd situation to say the least.
Balmung's in-game item prices are relatively cheap, due to being a massive server with healthy activity in each section of the economy - RPers buy items that would be seen as more of a commodity on other servers.
But because it's such a massive server and now near-impossible to get into, RMT prices for Balmung are absolutely ridiculous compared to other servers.
But... since the in-game gil prices are cheap... why buy gil?
Housing.
Yep, that's it.
Balmung's in-game item prices are relatively cheap, due to being a massive server with healthy activity in each section of the economy - RPers buy items that would be seen as more of a commodity on other servers.
But because it's such a massive server and now near-impossible to get into, RMT prices for Balmung are absolutely ridiculous compared to other servers.
But... since the in-game gil prices are cheap... why buy gil?
Housing.
Yep, that's it.