You don't need to remove gear or anything. We can keep what we have right now with a minor change:

- NIN can use aim gear and DNC/BRD/MCH can use scout gear too.

- DRG can use striking gear and SAM/MNK can use maiming gear. (Sure, physical defense must be standardized in this case but I consider that a very minor compromise).

It's not perfect but better than what we have now IMO.