The fate system for leveling is a big reason I see why HQ gear isn't selling. Why do I need good gear when my leveling only requires me to do minimal damage when grouped up with 7 other people for gold.

If leveling was more like FFXI where you were always in groups of 4 and each person's gear made a bigger overall difference in how fast you leveled I think you would see more people trying to go get crafted gear to wear.