You said it best, corporate greed. It sucks the gaming industry has moved to this model of selling their customers junk. I still personally value the in game cosmetics that you earn over store bought ones. I know this is different for a single player game but still frustrating nonetheless.
Edit:
With the last two and a pan you can cook some good food for 1-2 people very easily and they are relatively cheap appliances you can use even in a college dorm or apartment.