I guess it's time

[Xlantaa]

I don't undestand what's the problem with the vertical progression. If they put horizontal progression, why then we should keep playing, if after few patch, the game still stuck on the same item level? What's the point if my stats won't increase? For me, I'm happy with the massive item level difference beetwen patches, it gives pogression, while keep the same item level won't feel at all my character progress. Probably I won't be happy if I still have the 16000 HP from law gear level, compared to the 27000 from full 240.

Maybe you can add more options. E.G, there are 2 options for 230 gear (Lore and Weepng City), 2 ways for 240 (lore upgrade and Laexander SAvage). YOu can add more ways to get gear. three types of 230 for example, and 3 type of 240 gear.

But not stuck for years on the same item level.

[Beetle]

snip.

You go in strength based on the types of armor you collect. (Parry set/Shield Blocking set, TP recovering set, DPS set, Cure Set, Refresh Set, Boosting buffs set.) Resist Poison Rings. etc.
Also if they built the game around having more then one class at max level they can get away with not having a tome cap.
Weapons are armor will get replaced with a different armor piece comes out with higher stats then your current one but it wouldn't happen as often cus you have different armor builds.