I need to ask, what is your problem with "vertical gear progression" of course you need better gear (going up) for harder content.
Or do you want to see your tank wear Level 1 gear on Ifrit Ex?

Why do people always think this is made for FFXI fans, if I remember right, very early, even with 1.0 it was said "FFXIV won't be a FFXI-2"

There are some thing in ARR that irk me.
Stuff that isn't included, although SE learned from FFXI people want it (which also is in other MMOs so not FFXI exclusive stuff.)
Sending stuff to your alts. Being able to store more of your gear .

Nothing that would make me stop playing ARR.
You don't like it? Fine. Nobody forces you to play it.