Feeling a bit of a shock at 50

[kyuven]

yeah, the gap is just way to big
and all of the gear in any dungeon earlier than hull breaker is pretty much worthless

this whole, need gear just to getbasic gear (ie whatever the current cheapy tome gear is) is just beyond dumb

Hunts, running the actual dungeons without roulette, HM trials, the towers, etc.
Three or four runs of the towers, especially with a sold bonus, will net you enough for a piece of left side gear.
The gap isn't as big as people make it out to be. It's there, yes, but you can skip a LOT of it by just doing the story. Your soldiery bonuses alone for just doing the main story will be enough for new gear.