AF gear already "obsolte"

[Geesus]

Now now, this is exaggerating.

I check people often (I'm curious!) and it's rare that I see someone with a full set of double melded gear. Like, really rare.

May also just be your server. Our LS has a few different sets of double melds and yes, the rare 3x melds. It's a PITA no doubt and cost some gil if u don't already have the materia but our LS like I'm sure others do, go do spirit bind PTs and our crafters make extra gear JUST FOR the materia so we don't have to buy it.