Part 8/10:
By 2008, the introduction of new trading systems, alongside rising concerns about real-world trading and the game’s economy, led to further complications. The introduction of maximum GP limits in trades left party hats in a limbo state—barriers that discouraged trades impeded player-to-player exchange.
The failure of party hats to sell effectively on the Grand Exchange made them appear as obsolete possessions—despite being rare and originally valuable. Players began to view them as “useless paper crowns,” as their ability to impact gameplay was limited.