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

[AdvancedWind]

How far does it seem fair to have gear scale down?
For example: I'm a level 1 gladiator, and I just bought optimal level 50 gear. I suppose the fair thing would be that THAT level 50 gear should scale down to it's equivalent optimal level 1 counterparts, but maybe someone else has a better suggestion.

In your example? The armour shouldn't have any stats whatsoever; In fact, I'd say that after 10 levels dif, it should instantly drop to stat 0.

Let's say the old system with the scale-down effect is implemented again. Personally, I don't think I'd ever buy low levelled gear again. I'd get a great level 50 robe and keep that forever until it turns into great materia, then buy another great level 50 robe and attach the materia to it. My question is what incentive do I have to even look at lower levelled gear?

The Materia system already takes care of that.

1 - Wearing gear above your level makes spirtbond increase slower. Using a L50 gear on a L1 character would make spiritbond gain absolutely atrocious.
2 - Stat gain from materia is only applied if you are at or above the optimal level;
3 - Wearing gear of the appropriate level is - ALWAYS - better, stat wise. You would look for lower level gear simply because that - IS - the better gear for you. You should use inappropriate gear only on those odd sittuations where you're switching classes or buying a piece of gear that's just 1-2 levels above you.

Same scenario as the above paragraph, except I'm a crafter now. What incentive do I have to create lower levelled gear if everyone is buying the best, high level stuff and playing the game with the scale-down?

Thank you.

See point #3;