All 3 conclusions fail to take into account that "newbs" will NOT benefit greatly from any addition to Bee Wings compared to veterans. Newbs don't generally have Bee Wings, and people who already spend time farming for WoE will not find it onerous to wear Bee Wings while doing so. New players generally might. So for each WSS you're allowing "newbs" to gather, veterans can easily gather them too. What does this mean?
1. Easy survivability goes both ways - and more potions provides a greater benefit to those with better gear (more damage reduction = more effective hit points).
2. See above.
3. Easier gathering for brewing is WAY more likely to benefit those already on the list who are still active. Those who aren't active aren't the ones commenting on this (since they're not playing anymore).
I'll post another with my details about zeny sink later. Tired.