As the OP, I think the question is TRUE, well at least for me. I did abandoned my private server RO since I played the mobile a month ago. Its not a 100% copy of original RO, more like an innovated version of it. I think its owner bigger aim is to create a perfect MMO. It has many features of modern MMO, but in the same time they tried to be loyal to the original RO.
Just want to share few features of it that I think wouldnt make it just another train hype:
1) It allows bot but still freaking hard to level - many automation. you can autoattack, item is autoloot (need to be near to loots, tho), can set up what skills to use, can target what monster to attack (one type only, or kill all), if play in party, can opt to protect party members, can set buff (no autopots tho), autofollow, basically if you got yourself a powerful PC that can open multiple Android emulators (the game eat a lot of resources, mind you), then you can create a full party and play by yourself.
BUT, there is a catch. They implemented this stamina system, which will limit your daily grinding. When your char used the stamina to its limit, the EXP and drop rates will be dropping very low. Even with the auto features, it is still freaking hard (relatively) for you to level and farm items. Took me about a week to change to an assasin from a thief, and now stuck at 50-ish plateau. Barely able to up a level a day once youve reached 55.
Ive played ToS before, and this RO Mobile has few similarities, among other things is it has story quest that u have to follow. Every char u create has to follow the story. This what makes my ToS experience sucks, because when I create new char, I have to start all over again but in RO Mobile, the auto features make it bearable. I have 4 active chars now lol.
2) So far, no loophole for RMT
To avoid RMT, they dont implement any direct one-to-one trade. You can only sell and buy via auction NPC. Even that, you wont be able to choose from whom you want to buy. The price of loots is fluctuating by this supply and demand concept (Im not really sure how they decide the price, but it is automatic). Every time you are buying, it will automatically choose from the cheapest available. You can only see the buyers'/sellers' ID after the transaction finished. So far, the only way I think one can make money from real trade is by selling their ID. But as to level a char is relatively hard and time consuming, I dont think it is worth it.
The only downside thing IMO is the language barrier. But I take that with a grain of salt. I used to play RO (or many other games) as a kid who dont know how to speak English and it is not an issue back then. Why should it be now. I can use Google Translate apps anyway. Many English guides are already created by players all over the world.
I do think this RO mobile will not just be another hype train. At least for me. For time being.