I think with the mid-level ranges, limited NPC availability and the market ward cost for the equipment, it makes that middle range lacking in terms of gear progression.

Gil and equipment are not as plentiful as it once was in those lower~mid levels. I think for us that have been hanging out at 50 for a while, don't see the point in outfitting those levels knowing where to go for the XP. But for the first time player, knowing you are performing subpar due to lacking equipment can be unsexy.