Quote Originally Posted by Ogulbuk View Post
Adding set bonuses may actually be a way of simplifying progression. Instead of even allowing for the possibility of "Alexandrian boot with Scripture gloves may result in 2 more points of the stats I care the most..." you out right say "progress to get the full set and you will unquestionably have The Best Full Set" (BiS may become an obsolete term.)
Not necessarily. If you balance the set bonuses properly with the secondary stats on alternative pieces of gear, there comes a point where you have to weigh which is better - more of a main secondary stat, or the benefit provided by the set bonus. Granted, this still often ends up with people figuring out an "optimum" configuration.

I like how WildStar handles their class rune sets. When you manage to reach a level in gear where you can slot your class rune set, it often can lead to completely changing your rotation for dps, or changing the way you approach healing/tanking, or encouraging you to swap out one ability with another, or whathaveyou. It injects some variety in how you can build your character as your character progresses post-level cap.