From the latest live letter: "You will need to be item level 340 ... to challenge the battle."

Now, that wording sounds pretty definite... but could we possibly have further clarification? Does this literally mean you can't go in without full 340 gear, or is that just the gear level the fight is intended to be done at?

It seems like an unnecessary roadblock if its enforced. I think its been stated that you can't access the fight through raid finder anyway, so can't it be left for the party to decide if their equipment level is high enough?

Among other reasons, some crafted pieces (and potentially ilvl 330 items from the 24 man raid?) could be considered BIS in some cases. So having to upgrade just to gain access, then switch back in the encounter seems pointless.