A mounts matter

[Shougun]

And you see right there is your problem :P. It seems you have an elitist mentality on how an RPer should be like. There are many kinds of roleplayers, and vanity system helps some people accomplish the task in creating their characters more unique. As I said you want realism, but a rpg doesn't necessarily has to be realistic.

Also I've played many single player rpgs where armor can be equipped, so where are you getting your information from? We must be playing different single player RPG games. Maybe expand your library of RPG games?

Most of the FF with accessories, once the ability to model items onto the character existed - since to continue the RP element you expected something to change.

You may call it elitist and I call those who think its RP poor RPers. "I'm rp'ing what I wear doesnt matter" ok why are you using this boot but it isnt that boot? "Because its better" So your gear does matter? "Yeah but I like the way this sock looks" ... bad rp. The person distinctly decided to ignore inhabiting the role to break rules that isnt to role play.