My take on horses

I was thinking about the in game horses the other day.  I couldn't understand why they were so expensive.  Sure they provide a good and useful bonus, but they do go up in stages.  If you think about it, the 24% speed boost isn't THAT much.  It's faster, but not 2plat worth faster.

I realise it's a status thing too, but I do think it's a little unfair for newer players to have to run everywhere.  It is a big game after all.  I'm not advocating the 'give newbs everything' mentality, but couldn't we have another, more affordable mount introduced.

The Paladins and Shadowknights have their steeds, which provide the 10% speed bonus.  It's not much, but it's better than 0%.  Could we not have a horse intoduced that provides 15% speed (boost the Pal & SK steed to same)?

For newbies, it's also about the excitement of having a horse, as well as the bonus it gives.  Maybe make it 5 gold, or 10, so they have to save a little?  Or maybe a long into quest with the mount as a reward?

Currently, I just see horses as a big cause for the plat farmers.