i have 1 big problem with your statement but before i say this i applaud you for a well thought out and well made post very well done and that is your statement about players not needing a weapon over item lev 90 that is a bunch of bs while you may not need it to get into content you need it to run content a tank for example who dont get full item lev 100 soldiery armor and there animus sword and shield will not be able to hold agro against raiders in dungeons as well healers will struggle to heal content since dps and tanks are so over geared they ignore mechanics and want to pull half the dungeon i have seen to many times to count if you dont have a relic people leave the dungeon if you dont have min 4k hp they leave the dungeon if it takes to long to kill mobs they leave the dungeon so yes you need the gear cause that is the mentality of the community in majority of content as far as pugs go i remember running ak to get my whm relic tank flat out said you dont have your relic sorry good luck and left before the first pull cause he couldnt speed run the dung they way he wanted