Maybe Stronghold drops aren't useless, but DD, World NMs and Faction sure as hell are. This guy has it down, in my opinion. Crafted gear should be entry level, unless you're willing to be bold and do forbidden materia, then it should be on raid level, but obviously cost a great deal. Then there needs to be entry level endgame, and then endgame to really look forward to as only the best of the best being able to tackle with the best gear achieved from difficult battles.