I get the feeling the only reason gear is job locked is just cause they want to keep the heavy armor look as a tank perk >__>

LET ME MAKE HEAVY ARMOR MAGE, SE!!
*grumble grumble*

AND NOT THAT CRAPPY ARMOR DRESS EITHER!
Also TC, non-lala male mages have to deal with nearly every gear looking terrible on us. Learn to live with it.