Well then Amsai, how do you propose making NM gear the most powerful gear in the game without killing crafted gear? If you make NM/dungeon gear the most powerful gear in the game and/or the most powerful materia in the game you'll get 50s camping them non-stop regardless of their appropriate level just so they can sell it off.

Making crafted gear worse at base but potentially on par or better is more of a risk reward system. Don't like risk, go get the NM/dungeon gear as it's better without any risk. If you want THE best, risk five-slotting crafted gear.

The system DOES benefit everyone. Gatherers are now more relevant due to the catalyst needed. Crafters are more necessary with how things are going. Materia benefits War/Magic classes the most though as they get the best bonuses out of it it seems.