Why Is Gathering Equipment About 10x Too Expensive On Excalibur?

[Akisohida]

Wait, you're gearing up your RETAINER.
You don't even need a full set of gear - just enough to unlock the highest 18-hour venture.
Or if you're willing to do it all through quick ventures, you can probably get all the way to 90 naked with just a level 1 main-hand; far as I can tell, they changed it so quick venture XP is the same no matter what they return with.

But, and this is just me assuming, won't better gear make my Retainer find better stuff?
Edit: Plus, some expeditions need a certain gear score.