The BLM rotation is quite simple but you're a turret, you can't move once you've opened fire, that's the deal. Pretty much all of what is mentioned in the OP is the difference between a good BLM and a bad one, a good one will move as little as possible and still not get hit by avoidable damage. A bad one will either eat all avoidable damage or run around interupting himself all day, there is a skill/knowledge to it and it just sounds to me like the OP hasn't learned that yet. It's also not fair to compare it to BRD as BLM does more damage, utility and movement are a BRD's unique strengths not firepower. No other casters can move while casting unless it's an instant spell, BLM should be no different.

As for low level gear yeah some of it doesn't look that great but you spend so little time in it there is no point getting upset about it in my opinion, I'd rather the art department spent their time on more long lasting stuff to be honest.