I like the idea of using merits to augment old gear that isn't gonna be overhauled in the future.

For example
Kings gear (Ridil,Pixie earring,Algol ect)
Pop NM gear (Rostrum pumps,Rutter Sabatons ect)
Lotto NM gear (Leaping/bounding boots,Peacock charm ect)
Storyline gear (Raja's ect)