It's called MMOJRPG. You don't have to be okay with it. You don't even have to grind it if you choose not to, but this is a typical mechanic in these kinds of games. It was only a matter of time before it popped up.
You can wait until other patches come out and gear becomes obsolete if you like; It's going to be funny when they introduce some kind of XI intense content for hardcore endgamers. Might never hear the end of it afterwards.
