you have to let go of your old trappings wanting the best gear for every level.

basically, get npc gear, then maybe collect your AF1, then get that ugly ass abyssea gear. start building your magian weapon. and, boom, people will care about you and help you collect the gear you should have.

as far as gear to beat maat, if you get in a decent LS, i bet people would loan you whatever it is suggested for the maat fight. if they still have any of the gear, haha. i do see you're thf, however. i personally find steal + gear jinx for that maat fight. you could do it naked! get in an LS and they'll help you farm that testimony...