Garuda hard and above is so... demoralizing.

This is a little bit QQ and I know some of these concerns have been shared.

I'm a member of a small FC made up of old friends, most are still working slowly on the story line. I like to play a bit more than they do so I've gotten my DL gear, workin on my relic etc etc.

But I've been brought to a stand still in the passed few days being unable to complete the harder endgame content, which brings me to my point.

I don't mind failing a bunch of runs when it leads to a win but currently it's been only a demoralizing process.
-It's no fun to enter a Duty finder instance because that's one of my options and see that I'm 1 of 3 party members who are appropriately geared.
-It's no fun to join a PuG when a tank says he's done this before and then watch him try to hold garuda in the middle of all 4 rocks.
-It's no fun to join a group that has the ability to win but gives up after a single attempt.
-It's DEFINITELY not fun to fail repeatedly and waste gil for the ridiculous repair prices.
-And none of this is fun when you've sat there and waited 30 minutes to an hour to get it all together.

I'm basically forced to choose if I want to stay with my friends who are more casual than I, or if I want to move to an endgame FC which still gives little to no guarantee of success.

Now to be clear, I'm NOT asking for these things to be made easier. I like that Garuda is so challenging, and when I finally win I'll truly feel it was an accomplishment.

What I AM asking for is help in creating competent parties. Minimum Gear requirements for example, or better yet, group people who have the same level gear together. It would only be fair to work with players who have put in the same amount of effort as you. That PLD wants to wear a lvl 30 shield into Garuda? Np. He'll get a WHM who likes to equip a level 30 weapon.

Otherwise I'll continue to bash my head into a wall (metaphorically of course) until I lose interest, and cease to play.

I personally have come to a standstill, Once I get my last Darklight pieces I wont be able to afford to repair if groups wipe.

You need a good Free Company.

Don't expect much from Duty Finder pick up groups.

Wait until your FC is 50 and stop rushing it. The more you rush it the older the game will get and it'll get Insanely boring.

I've come to a point where I don't want to progress any farther then I have until later.
Everything will be cheaper and more things will be fixed most likely.

(Repairs, etc)

Go play a new class, go level and help your FC, play with them.

Game came out two weeks ago, no need to rush.