Def. not the neon colors but since FF14 comes out with them anyways thought it could be used as fashion..

But yea parts of Esk's idea sound appealing,
realistic look for the game and dyes to give it personalization. A base crafted gear that could be further enhanced to put specific stats dependent on the individuals end game class.
Such as (EX) +dex for pugs/archers

I also like the 2nd market idea too, but it could be condensed into an addition of a new ward to compliment the new armor crafting, stat giving system.

if the creation of fashion items arose this would also require a new ward in the market just for fashion items