Thought you did a nice job of stating your opinion. I personally like the way things are but can also understand your frustration. I'm guessing the masses also are fine with the current set-up. As party leader you could alweys tell people your guidelines up front, that might help.

I think the lack of lower level gear in wards is due in part to two additonal things:

1. Most people dont buy it because its not great for turning into Materia - maybe they could give a small chance for tier IV materia from 30s gear? This would increase demand.
2. Most people don't craft it. A crafter can't make very much gil on low level equipment. Also the majority of crafters are either high level (at this point), NPCing, or have friends that can make. I think once more people are playing this would not be an issue.