I also agree with this (while using the search function and adding to already existing threads on the subject would have been more useful :P)

They simply need to strike a balance. Keep the current equipment generic, and then add to it with some class/rank-specific sets and maybe some more generic gear. That way they can both contribute to class uniqueness, and allow people to mix and match with generic gear in order to retain some uniqueness in look and style.

Uniqueness in look is a lovely feature in FFXIV at the moment, as I rarely saw other MMORPG, near launch, with people sporting such different styles and combinations of equipment. I don't think it should be lost in favor of just another game where everyone with the same class in the same level range wears exactly the same things.