If there is one thing I have learned about most MMORPG players, it's that we tend to be the 'path of least resistance' type players. If this change goes through, then there will be parties who will pay a single rank 50 to go with them and just kill everything they touch for a while. In fact, I imagine this will be the vast majority of parties (if parties still grant an EXP bonus... if they don't, then most players simply won't bother).

I guess I'm still not sold that this is actually a good idea. I also think it's really strange to have items and experience determined independently for a kill (whereas in most MMORPGs, if you get the experience, you can get the loot).