Maybe it's just me, but I don't feel like Esoteric gear lives up to being Artifact gear. To me, it feels more like Darklight, Weathered, Doman or Asuran gear-- just more individualized by job.

To me what makes AF gear isn't stats (obviously as the original AF was quickly replaced) and it wasn't just about the looks. It was about the story, the job and the history behind it. When you got the last piece of the original AF you feel you've achieved something (besides level 50). The job felt complete.

Sadly, Eso gear is just a grind for yet another carrot. Just like Doman gear and just like Asuran gear. There's nothing personal involved. I would have preferred to have some story built around it and I hope the new Relic weapon has an epic quest attached to it.