Poll: Gear progression, horizontal or vertical?

[SDaemon]

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An illusion of choice. There will always be a piece of gear that is mathematically and viably superior for an encounter when you diversify stats bonuses and fight mechanics. One fight might require you to focus on that block stat you suggested, another may favor more crit. If fights are not designed that way than the system will provide no benefit to what we have now. And with that in mind, you will have to carry those 2 pieces of gear and use them for their appropriate fight.

Saying you can use either the block or the crit in every situation is just you trying to lie to yourself.