OK this one gonna be problem again.... it's Japanese Rep side response regarding rank requirement on gears.

Original Thread Link: http://goo.gl/8S30f

Quote Originally Posted by Triairy View Post
皆さん、こんばんは。
Good Evening Everyone,

装備適正ランクについてあらためてプロデューサーの吉田と方針を確認してきました。
Checked once again with Producer Yoshida regarding goals for equipment's 'optimal rank'

今後追加される新しい装備品については、基本的に装備できる条件が、クラス【専用】ランク【必須】になっていきます。
ただし追加される装備品すべてが【専用】【必須】になるわけではなく、装備条件のない装備品ももちろん追加していきます。
In general for future included equipment will have 'class specific', 'required rank'.
However this doesn't mean all equipment becoming 'specific' or 'required', there will of course be equipment that has no restrictions.

たとえば街中で着る場合には誰でも装備できる装備品で、
バトルに行く、レイドに挑戦するなどの場合は【専用】【必須】の装備を付けるなど、
メリハリを付けるようにしていきます。
For example will make within cities have equipment anyone can equip, and for going to battle, or challenging in raids equipping 'specific', 'required' equipment. Will add variety.
I guess it's still OK, different from what Bay posted yesterday doesn't say anything about the 'rank required' gear being mainly from NM or such conents. With above it looks like it can also mean for most gear crafted also, and limiting the equipments with 'optimal rank' stats.