It seems to me that they are trying to keep class gear more generalized.
This helps with inventory space and means, that gear drop isn't worthless to you because you're a different class.
From what's been said I get the impression that the specific gear is going to be more in the form of job specific gear, and not so much class specific.
Gear from 40-50 is already lacking in some slots as it is, so I'm all for a general increase in gear and let the player decide what is best for them.
Lately SE has been way to focused on 25-35 for my taste, there wasn't any serious lack of upgrades like the 40-50 range.
For example, no 40+ for kecks, shoes, fingerless gloves and many others.
Crafters have the same issue with 40+ gear, selections are just too limited or non existent.