You're making an assumption with 2, they didn't state anywhere that you would have to meld gear to get through content, they are just offering another means to increase stats.

-From Patch 3.2, crafted equipment will become more powerful that what it has been up until now.

-Furthermore, accessories will be implemented at the same time as the high-tier equipment that can be created by crafters.

-Additionally, materia slots will be added to raid equipment and the equipment that can be purchased with the various tomestones, so you’ll be able to add materia to boost the sub-stats that you prefer.

What I get here is that they are giving the players the choice of what they want rather than seeing two pieces of gear and being like I want skill speed or crit hit rate. If anything it helps for players to tailor their gear than just is it x or y, it offers a bit more customization and sure it may be costly but you also are assuming what the materia socket limit will be as base. It's possible it could be 3 or 4, granted they might only be 2 but honestly isn't this what players have been asking for? A way to customize their gear more, and this is a way to do it.

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...=1#post3389641