Variance in player skill is hurting FFXIV's itemization design.

[Ryel]

Eh, I'd be cautious over that. Due to FFXI's itemization you had groups requiring leaping lizzie boots just for an xp party in Valkurm. All those 'interesting' and 'neat' gear pieces became required for even basic stuff and since it was made super rare, only the super rich or patient could get them, effectively locking most people out of content.

This isn't even close to true.