I have not played the game, so this is only from what I've read [0], but it is my understanding that they designed a progression system that strongly pushes people to pay. Also, while not strictly "loot boxes", you are still able to indirectly pay for random items because the drops are linked to level progression, which can be sped up with micro-transactions.

[0] https://kotaku.com/the-free-gear-in-black-ops-4-is-an-unforg...

Cosmetics are a billion dollar industry, why do you write it off so quickly? People pay money to make their face look different from others, why wouldn't they pay money to make their digital self different?

Because reading the comment thread, it's utterly antithetical to loot boxes. One is cosmetic and the other is functional.