Triary had a chance to confirm with Yoshida yesterday about all of this discussion going on regarding Optimal Rank gear, etc.

New gear that will be introduced in the future will move towards having an exclusive class and required rank requirements. However, not all gear will have an required rank or exclusive class, and new gear without requirements will also be added. For example, we will make distinctions on the type of gear itself, such as gear that is worn in town will have no requirements, and gear for battles and raid challenges will have an exclusive class and necessary rank.

Hopefully this gives a better insight into the direction we are heading.