I did a double take when I read the title lol.

My guess is that guns play a much bigger impact/ role in the game in comparison to things such as melees.

While some newer players can circumvent this by purchasing the BAR with iTunes, the main point is to "develop" a want for a gradually increasing tier of weapons.

You start with a starter pistol and gradually move on up. Allowing people to sell guns at a cheaper price to their friends is like giving someone who has an hour recorded a shipka.