This theory crafting of what qualifies as horizontal progression is interesting and all...

How about we bring it back to FFXIV and provide ideas of how we can implement horizontal progression. I think we can all agree that SE is not going to go entirely horizontal and will keep the vertical model. Therefore we want a hybrid anyway, so let's stop fussing over what is 100% horizontal and what isn't.

To add my 2 cents, I think that it would be great to have multiple gear items of the same ilvl, same weapon damage, same main stat with more 'fun' secondary stats. I was playing Diablo III the other day and had an item that randomly spawned minions around me who went and exploded on the enemy. This was one heck of a fun stat. I am not saying add this one in particular, but something more 'fun' than crit rate and det would be great.