The problem I see mostly with people in here is they think some revamp is going to happen within a patch of expansion when they have no idea how development works or what resources they have to pull out to make the entire game's fundamentals change.
That's why when you come to doctor he says: "You have cancer, but it would take too much resources and time to cure you. If at all. So ... welp, next one please". The situation with this game and what you suggest is identical.
People in here are going to complain till the game becomes FFXI-2.
And what is so wrong about wanting this game to become FFXI-2 at least, if it was better in every imaginable way (except graphics obviously)?

Anyway, many good suggestions very made. We must choose with what we should begin, and as FallenArisen before said:
They can start by not making every new (or even patch if you want to be technical..) patch not make previous patch gear obsolete for starters...
The best way to implement this would be raising itemlevel only once in expansion maximum (better even less). Even if it means no patches during whole year, so be it.