A civilized opinion and discussion of what I think is happening with ARR vs 1.0

[Makwa]

same thing for me, when i see it become a game that gear > skill im out.

I'm sorry, but wasn't 11 like that too? You have mediocre/garbage gear and you're considered crappy anyway, regardless of skill.
For a while during TAU I had to rely on LS mates to get me merit PTs because my WAR didn't have Haidate or Hauberk, due to me maining PLD for events.