Why so many REQs

I’ve had the game for a while, but never really played it, and now I’m wondering: Why the hell are there so many REQ required unlocks. Why can’t be like the old days, where it was just levels and achievements.

because MONEY.

$$$$

I have no problem with the Req weapons and maybe the vehicles (still don’t know why there’s woodland, corps, tundra and urban variant for most vehicles). But I do feel like there is a lot of armor…