As a returning player myself, I think the best way to gear up now a days is the old fashion ways of going out and finding it. There is still all the conquest gear sold for conquest points. There are still vendors littered all throughout the world. If you have a buddy still on they can still craft for you while you start new or get back into the grove. Finally let's not forget all the lovely old NMs that have been getting ignored for so long (we miss you Spiny Spipi). Yes the AH is dead for now but that's no reason to run around under geared.