They need a stepping stone between EX and savage.

[Deveryn]

That does bother me a bit. I have to throw away any previous savage gear and outfit myself with crafted gear.

Frankly, it's one of the best things I've seen in an MMO, where crafters are often left with nothing to contribute to the end game. Aside from that, it makes for an even playing field for everyone to start over or return to the game. People will complain about pricing. Maybe they should try seeking out help. There are people out there with time and/or money to spare.

[Jeeqbit]

Frankly, it's one of the best things I've seen in an MMO, where crafters are often left with nothing to contribute to the end game. Aside from that, it makes for an even playing field for everyone to start over or return to the game.

If the crafted gear was the same item level as the previous tier's max item level, I think that plenty of people would still need crafted gear, such as those who skipped the previous tier or are new to trying out raids. Some of it might just flat out have better substats and still be desirable over the previous BiS, especially because it can be pentamelded. But it also means that you don't absolutely need to give the gear up because it's the same item level.