I'm glad we won't have gear swapping mid-battle. I really didn't like that element of XI. I'd much rather the game keep me involved through creative new challenges and interesting story-based content as opposed to hunting for new shoes over and over because I have to wear something different for every spell I cast.

That's not to say that there should be one gear set to rule them all; optimally, the "best" gear should depend on the battle strategy you wish to employ. Creative bosses and battle situations sometimes require a change in strategy and a corresponding change in gear before the battle begins. But allowing gear swapping during battle (in addition to looking ridiculous) creates a situation where gear sets are too numerous and too specialized. To allow it would be to require it, as the battle system would have to be balanced around its existence. No thanks.