I agree that the implementation is... not ideal.

First, only Miqo'te mannequins really stings as a non-Miqo'te player. It makes very little sense to display my personal collection on a mannequin that is not my own race or size.

Second, I feel like mannequins should have been dress up dolls first, and extension of the market board second. It would have felt more natural (to me, at least) if system would have been designed around showcasing gear. The possibility to then sell any showcased gear would have been a natural evolution for a patch or two later.

I don't particularly mind having to use the original item. The gear I wanted to display is mostly old Artifact Armour and some other sets that I have worn for a long time. Things that I have moved on from but that have nostalgic value. But until they release an Elezen mannequin, I won't touch the feature.