I feel like removing GC restrictions in PvP would simply be treating a symptom of a larger problem: Grand Companies themselves. There is no reason to remain loyal to one over another. They're all essentially homogeneous entities and therefore pointless to the player within the context of the game.

The game asks you to side with one out of the possible three then immediately relieves all meaning from the choice when it informs you that you can switch to any of three at any time for any reason and with zero consequences. On top of that, the slightest bit of research will inform you that all 3 literally offer the same exact incentives outside of a few cosmetic gear pieces, housing items, and things of that nature.

I understand why people want GC restrictions removed, but that only exacerbates the real problem. If GC allegiance no longer matters in PvP, then why not just remove GCs altogether? They don't really matter outside of PvP so removing the one instance where they do (i.e. PvP) renders the entire system utterly pointless.

If they're going to keep Grand Companies around, they should work on distinguishing the three and then adding incentives to remain loyal to the one you choose. I'm not just talking a few minor things either. Better exclusive gear (sets for PvE and PvP) that you can only wear/display as long as you remain loyal to that GC. Exclusives pets and mounts. Exclusive mats and recipes that you only have access to as long as you're a part of that GC. XP bonuses within that nations borders (i.e. Malestrom members get bonus XP while leveling in all La Noscea areas, Flames = Thanalan, Adders = Shroud). XP bonuses to leveling nation specific classes, both combat and non-combat (Maelstrom = MRD, ARC, CUL, AMR, BSM, etc etc).

I'm just throwing ideas out there. The point is that the GC restriction in PvP should be there for a reason, but it feels pointless to the player and therein lies the problem. They need to fix the whole GC system as a whole instead of slapping on band-aid on this massive wound.

If they actually make GCs mean something, then removing GC restrictions in PvP wouldn't be so bad imo because they don't suddenly render a chunk of their game pointless. You could join a match and have a message pop up saying "Hey, your character is allied with the Flames, but we threw you on the Adders to speed things up. You will still receive Flame currency if you win." that way you can play with your friends without missing out on any of the cool stuff you yourself are working towards.