The market is basically revamped as well. As for retainers, it’s impossible to make all of them appear at once. Instead, we want to implement what’s called a market street and have players decide on what they want others to see.

It’ll work kind of like an instance, but you’ll be able to see them out in the open. Each retainer you see will look different. The search feature has also been revamped. Searching will take place through a board. We’ll probably be able to show everyone what it looks like during the beta phase.
So we still have a crap load of retainers standing around? I thought we were getting away from this aweful system!

Who even uses them when there the search system anyway?

A: You will have to create different gear sets for each class and, if you wish to use the same item in multiple gear sets, you’ll have to obtain multiple copies of the same item. We believe that this system, which players will see in the Alpha Test, will be easier for players to use and understand.
So if you get an awesomely rare piece of gear then you want to use conveniently on multiple classes, tough! You need to get another one too? What if the item is unique so you can only hold one?

This sounds awful. I don't see how this is in any way making it easier for players to use. Surely, easier to use would be drag this item in to this set. If you want it in another set, drag it into there too.

First, you'll need a group of four people. Then, you'll all need to join a Grand Company, whichever you prefer. Afterwards, you can form a Free Company under that Grand Company by visiting the Grand Company desk.
You can only form Free Companies under the same Grand Company? What about all those linkshells that exist because of the lack of Free Companies from launch, all with existing members in all 3 Grand Companies. All those linkshells hoping to change to a Grand Company when they were finally released? These too end up disappointed again because they can't all join the same Free Company.

This also makes it sound like they're limited to only 4 people. I hope this is only bad wording.

I'm starting to get worried about A Realm Reborn.