So how is permanent account upgrades good for the longevity of the game?

As a more casual player I'm a bit disillusioned that the "wipe" mechanic in Arc Raiders seems to accomplish the complete opposite of most other wipe mechanics. It appears the skill point and stash space expansions will stack with future expeditions. Instead of wiping progress and economy for everyone, it instead rewards the sweats with permanent account rewards that more casual players will never be able to catch up to.

So instead of a seasonal wipe system letting people start playing the game at a later date (or skip a season or wipe) without disadvantage, you will instead be at a permanent disadvantage against people who keeps doing expeditions. 5 skill pionts every 8th week is over 30 in a year.

Having a thematic skins or cosmetic rewards would be one thing, but the stackable permanent bonuses seems like a horrible system that will discourage casual players and new players joining at a later point in the game's lifespan. Either that, or make the skill point and stash upgrade work similar to the account buffs, i.e. you'll lose them if you don't keep doing the expeditions.