It's a hard sell, though.

In this game, the only way to differentiate yourself is through gear. People strive for gear to prove they are good.

Saying that higher level gear does not mean you are good invalidates the reward system and offends those motivated by it.

Afterall, if it is someone's goal to be "the best"... and there is no way to prove it or lord it over others for self esteem- then what is the carrot that keeps them on the hamster wheel? It kind of falls apart.

People used to stand in Rev Toll with relic weapons out- to "show off"... now everyone has them and people say they are "freebies". No one stands around with them anymore. Gotta feel special somehow!