Hmm, Dota 2 confirmed to use TF2's crate system.
Also there's an item you can buy (presumably) to get you out of low priority queue. Interesting.
It's gonna be weird seeing everyone with cosmetic stuff for each hero. The add-on items probably won't look as good as the defaults, so it's a bit disappointing for me.
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No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck.