Perfect timing. Wired New’s article about bying Gil with RL money. Even though it didn’t mention FFXI, the situation applies perfectly.
Some interesting thoughts:
“There’s a relationship between real-life economies and a virtual economy,” says Selden. “I happen to believe that these virtual economies are very real, serious economies.”
George Chen DOT COM 
Dear George,
Thank you for your purchase of 100k gil for $40. We look forward to receiving your real-life money for our fake virtual gil.
IGE Customer Services
Stan, you are a dork. LOL!!!!