Elitist has taken on a new meaning in MMORPGs, usually with a negative connotation. That doesn't change the actual meaning of the word. I like the OP and title.

e·lit·ist
/əˈlētist,āˈlētist/
noun
adjective: elitist; noun: elitist; plural noun: elitists1. a person who believes that a system or society should be ruled or dominated by an elite.

I believe that if you want to 'rule or dominate' the endgame, you need to have the most 'elite' gear in the game.


The alternative, is grops that fail due to some combination of lack of gear and skill. As of now, there is no simple, universally accepted measure or report for player skill - so gear is the standard.