This is why I loved old CoP so much. Granted, it was a pain in the ass getting equipment for the level until they came out with sync, but it made it a challenge and actually fun. Believe it or not, everyone who has breezed through the airship fight had ZERO fun doing it. It was the ones who struggled for their reward with their friends that ended up enjoying it.

I think the same should be done here. Level cap them, but don't punish people who come in with Rank 50 gear. Just reduce whatever bonuses they have to what is on normal gear around that level.