Every PVP MMO normalizes gear in PVP

Though I agree with OP's opinion on PVP and gear in general, FFXIV's community seem to be very grind-oriented. I've seen more people in this game who actually want to "work to get something", as opposed to "just playing to have fun", than anywhere else before.
This game is totally gear-based, and progression-oriented. What OP suggest goes against the general design of the game (and judging by he reactions on this thread, I am comforted in the idea that it goes against what a good deal of the comunity wants).

From the start, seeing how gear-base this MMO was, I knew not to expect much from PvP. I haven't tried it yet, I will (to at least see how it goes). But if I really feel in the mood for PvP, I'll probably just launch GW2 instead. For precisely the reason mentionned by OP.

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Originally Posted by Ronzeru

I'ma point out the elephant in the room.... Everyone will try their hardest to find the easiest way out of having others be more geared than them.... don't wanna do it themselves... so want to bring everyone else down to their level... and every time those of you get what you want, you dry out the content, end up bored, then leave after ruining it with your whining for those who actually enjoyed it.

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It's not about "finding an easy way out of having others be more geared than them", it's about the people who farmed immediately after PvP went live have a glaring advantage over those who decide to start later. If someone were to start PvPing, say, 2 weeks from now, then they are essentially fighting an uphill battle whenever they come across others who already have the i70 or better PvP gear. Doesn't matter if the new person has more skill or is better at the game because they are gimped by not having farmed early on.

I'm not saying that PvP gear should be worthless because I think that those who put in effort should be rewarded by having an edge, I just don't agree with the huge disparity between having PvE gear and PvP. Obviously PvP gear should have an advantage, but it shouldn't be so much that the outcome of a match is determined by who has farmed more marks. It's partly the game's fault because there is almost no customization/build paths available due to the game having such a bland system when it comes to stat itemization and whatnot.

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Originally Posted by Shiyo

Gear progression based PVP is what every other MMO does. Only one single MMO currently doesn't follow this model and has the most successful MMO PVP with actual tournaments and e-sports coverage, and now WOW is following suit too.

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Nobody here gives a crap about esports, tournaments, or WoW. What's best for that stuff isn't necessarily best for everybody else.

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I agree Shiyo. PvP gear should be visual trophies that show off one's success. It should not determine the outcome of a truly skill based game. Anyone who disagrees with that uses advanced gear as a crutch for a lack of skill.

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The only rewards ever to be given out for FFXI's PvP were vanity rewards. look how long that lasted. It's a shame too because it was fun. but clunky/annoying entrance requirements + no rewards = no participation.

In any game with both PvE and PvP components, people tend not to participate in PvP unless there is an incentive. Vanity items usually arent enough of an incentive. It has to be a functional reward, even if it's only functional in PvP or functional in PvE but not as effective (which is how it currently is in XIV- PvP gear can be used elsewhere but it won't be as good due to one of the secondary stats being morale instead of something that benefits PvE).

My experience is based on Age of Wushu and EVE Online, and considering going back to the former. These MMOs are built from the ground up for PVP, and their emphasis is not on gear, but on skills. There is no overarching leveling, instead you pick a skill you want to level. In ARR terms for example, there is going to be True Trust 1, 2, 3, and so on. The boost you gain from leveled skills are greater than gear, and leveling skills are the time sinks of the game.