Required Class/Rank failed - Can we have Optimal Rank and Favoured Class back?

[AamesxDavid]

sometimes you don't realize you're wearing the wrong gear (could be you just switched classes, and left something out of a macro, or you just can't tell that there is better gear out there for your rank because the favoring system is so unclear)

Which, as I've said before, isn't a reason for getting rid of the optimal system, but simply making it clearer.

Which is easier to understand at a glance:

Belt A: (requires: gladiator level 30. Str +5 Dex +3)

Belt B: (Favors: Gladiator, Pugilist, Botonist, Weaver Suggested level: 30. Str +5 Magical Defense +3 Gathering +3)

I'll see your heavily-biased examples and raise you a more balanced one:

Belt C: (Favors: Gladiator Suggested level: 30. Str + 5 Dex +3)

Does this not suit your:

"I'm level 30, I'm a gladiator, I want gear that's for a level 30 gladiator"

Now, I wouldn't be surprised if right now you're asking "well then what's the point?" And in a preemptive response to that, I ask "If this is how the favored system worked, what would be the point of changing it to required?"