In case ya'll didn't know, from the end of 2.5 part 2, 130 gear and 135 relics/raid weapons lasted until at most level 56 so having capped gear helped people not even have to switch their armor and weapons out for half the leveling process of 50-60. It would be assumed that the same will happen here. That's what we're all expecting. So no, your non HQ store bought level 61 gear should not exceed your capped 270 set for a few levels. Being capped in gear always gives us a headstart in content and not having to switch out for a while.

This 280 thing is really stupid especially since it's coming from basic content. I'm not even a raider nor am I hardcore, but I did invest time into finishing my relics and min-maxing to the best of my abilities with what I had access to and this is just a stupid attempt to get people to go play Diadem.

They didn't even have to make it like this. I'm sure if they made it easy to farm all forms of T5 materia and added exclusive materials/recipes to Diadem instead, PLENTY of people will suddenly want to do it. As a gatherer as well, I know I would. I need something to use these max stats on.