Repairs (and sometimes loot) have been in place to encourage players to return to a central hub, take a break, not dominant a single spot all day.
Gear damage penalty on death is one of three consequences of death (weakness and loss of time for lack of success).
I think the repair process could be a little smoother. At the NPC, having a quick repair all option that takes no more than five seconds. I imagine this will be addressed as infrastructure is adjusted.
