Well said, Dzian. :)
I remember the early days on XIV, when I was in the 20 - 30 range. I eagerly looked up what my next gear upgrade would be on YG, farmed materials and/or stocked up on some in the Market Wards and found some high level crafters to help me make them. I was excited and proud to get my next Conjurer Staff or Gladiator Sword upgrade. I knew I was going to take some time going through those levels.
Current people I've talked to leveling something in the 20 - 30 range? They're using some ~Level 10+ range gear (some are even using Weathered), because they know they're blowing through these levels in a couple days.
If I had the Materia System when I was leveling back then (with slower EXP), I know I'd be excited / eager to buy Low Level Materia to try and Meld and upgrade that gear as well.
