The same reason Blizzard doesn't: to avoid inflation as much as possible... Your gf is right fabsh, Blizz ensures that it keeps gold from spiraling out of control through repair bills and AH deposits... otherwise there would be so much gold that the game could become too easy.
Today is the day to be buying and selling gems! Everyone is buying their new PvP sets. Our Guild Jewelcrafter just logged off, after making 10,250 gold today.
I feel poor!
I must say that I can't wait to get into Zul'aman. My guild is pretty casual and we haven't moved past karazhan, so some new 10man content will be refreshing. Oh, and I will finally level an Alt now lol.