LOL since when was Lucis considered "catch up" gear?

It is the best MH tool available to a level 50 crafter or gatherer. Having it meant that you had an advantage when climbing to 60 that those lacking it did not.

That's not catch up gear. That's future-proof gear.

Catch up gear is gear that comes out below the top level, that is easier to get than the leveling set it is replacing. It is gear that helps you get caught up to the top level without going through the big grind that the other alternative required. It is never top of the line gear. It is always gear designed to help you get that top of the line gear.