I have to laugh now whenever I change my class to a crafter to fix something and my pants fly off.

I preferred the optimal system too, and OP is right that we never got to see how that system would work when things like stats and the UI functioned properly. But, this system isn't bad either. There are pluses and negatives to both.

They just need to fix the whole color tied to required class and stats thing. That's the only real thing that burns me about this new system. I shouldn't have to look like a patchwork doll or wear one specific gear set to function. Fortunately, Yoshi has already stated this the current situation is just a stop gap so I'm willing to wait for now on that one.