They're trying to make this to where anyone can dive in and play vs needing PvP specific gear. Seems like this is the method they want people to get geared up through participation, then maybe move onto the more serious, higher skilled version. (Wolves' Den) In reality though, a lot of people are just going to do this so they can get the gear for glamours. (dat PLD armor)

The ilvl makes sense to me. You don't want fresh 50s coming in and getting steamrolled by people in full i110 gear. i80 should be pretty easy to obtain in a relatively short amount of time, so it makes it so everyone can participate and are at an even playing field as far as gear is concerned.