I actually like how the gearing works in 14.
I feel like Savage and 14 in general is meant to be approached casually, so I really don't get why so many people in this game feel the need to clear the tier in 2 days and rush through everything else in this game, and then complain about it the day after.
I think even if they would improve on some things you mentioned, you would still get burned out of 14 incredibly quick if you approach things with a hardcore I want everything immediatly mentality in this game.