Is this the road they will continue to take with items?

[Dwill]

Vertical progression should have died when WoW showed that it falls apart later on. Horizontal progression is best progression.

I sure loved having my Hagun, Byakko's Haidate, Bushinomimi, Haubergeon +1 for 5+ years and my Rajas Ring, Justice Torque ,Brutal Earring, Forager's Mantle for 4+ years

In FFXI, where the progression was horizontal for years, there was only an illusion of choice. Theorycrafters found the best gear and that's what people would aim for.

While vertical progression has its flaws, I'd rather go with that than be stuck with the same pieces of gear for years again.