A lot of the new NM gear does have "required classes" and they are enforced. When you switch classes while wearing these gear types, they are instantly removed. If your speaking of the "optimized for" gear types, i really don't see how this has any effect on server economy(at least not on Bodhum). The system is in place to force remove "required" types of gear making the way for class specific "artifact" sets. If a level 10 wants to wear a Hauby, if anything it stimulates the economy ,in terms of Hauby sales and the increased repairs they would need and thus increased demand for iron rings.