Colored gear with specific classes.

[Arcell]

Nawpe, that's not the benefit.

Let's try to open this up through a different path. What people have been asking for are gear aesthetics specific for a certain class to make them stand out from each other (similar to, say, AF armor in XI). The thing is, though, that while making each class stand out and have unique armor, you also limit freedom and customization options by 'forcing' all the people of the same class to wear the same specific equipment (be it WHM or RDM AF). So absolutely and without a doubt... there is the benefit, and the downside.

Now, when it comes to aesthetics, its not just the equipment model that can be altered to distinguish a class from another. Equipment color is also an aesthetic factor that can be used to distinguish a class from one another. Both together can be used to, first separate class archetypes (through gear models) and then further separate classes (through gear color). Thus each class (or role within the archetype) has a unique model+color combination. Meanwhile the benefit and the downside mentioned above are still applicable.

Well let's run through a few scenarios here:

Colors = roles, classes forced to use certain colors: You can easily distinguish one class from another via their color however this was already pretty easily done by taking a quick look at their equipment in general and of course their weapon. This also makes everyone within the same class look almost identical, not a great thing IMO. Color + Gear = class.

Colors = customization, color your gear whatever: Classes are still distinguishable by their weapon type and general gear (since it is class/level required now). Popular colors emerge and some people end up using the same color between classes. Overall however this allows players both within and outside of the same class to use the color they want. Gear = class. Color is merely a choice.

Within a certain class if color is restricted then everyone is forced to use that color and you get color-coded clones. Within a certain class if color is unrestricted then people choose the colors they like, as such there's less of a likelihood of seeing someone wearing the exact same gear/color as you.