To answer what your initial question really said, no, it doesn't bother me that "mediocre" players have the same gear as me. Personally, I think people who have major issues with someone obtaining the same thing as them with less effort lack emotional development. Second, your entire argument becomes moot with the introduction of High Allagan gear, I haven't seen any "mediocre" players running around in i115 gear. Finally, if you don't want to deal with that one unworthy person who sneaks into your group of perfect players and messes things up, get off your ass and turn your 7 man static into an 8 man, problem solved. Yoshi and the devs have intentionally negated the epeen factor in this game as much as possible, if you're the kind of person that demands a pat on the back for being a quality player you should start looking for another game.