One of the 'problems' with gear being given by MSQ & side quests is that so many people just don't do them. It seems crazy to me that they wouldn't but I've encountered people in end game lvl60 stuff who haven't started Heavensward MSQ because "they're not interested in story". I imagine they've never even heard of side quests. Quite a few of them don't have flying unlocked either. If you want to find them just look for people complaining about where a Hunt is located that they can't fly to (but they're wearing i270 gear).