I get what you mean, but I'm sure you see the process unfolding, elemental differences, significant stat differences (attack speed, etc.). options like that let us evaluate our setup for best results in a range of encounters. along with these changes, we have the obvious improvements to gear at each step as well, there's no way to know what's in store for future patches unless you're on board with the SE dev team. personally i prefer to accept the options given, and be as optimistic as I can about delivery of future changes like you're expecting (armor, consumables, etc.) I see the fact that there's no 1 stop for everything you need as a good thing :)
