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

[KokonoeAiyoko]

I love both Final Fantasy XI and XIV and I'm subbed to both at the moment and have played both for years.

I do think adding unique traits or stats to armor to add more diversity is a nice idea, I don't however think making said traits mandatory to complete a huge section of content is a good idea as it goes against what even the OP wants or most people in this thread want, and that's different ways to complete content, more options. If you make it so that gear is the only thing viable for future content, then it goes back to our current system where only one option is available to win content.

Add unique traits, but keep them as a "option" for skill minded players.

Think the Dusk Set in FFXI which lowers your movement speed and gives you higher stats. Huge flaw with high reward.
Also elemental gear and stuff like that would be nice. (I'm aware there are some, but make them actually have a more potent effect than currently.)