I know Blizzard doesn't directly sell items, but they get a cut of all transactions so they are easily the biggest winner there.

Different from the permanent online connection thing, I don't see the AH thing has a necesarily evil thing. Some players obviously want it and Blizzard gave it to them.

However, I personally don't like it. I don't dislike it to the point of avoiding Diablo III, but enough to steer clear from the PvP part of the game.

Either way, will be interesting to see how things will develop, for better or for worse.