I started the game 2 months ago. While the paragon crown seems very hot to me, I really am trying to do other stuff instead of lvling my battle classes to 50.

Because if I get the crown I feel I will loose interest in the game and stop logging in.

Regarding gear as Velhart stated, ra/ex raid gear must be better than crafted. Infact raid gear should be around double melded crafted items.

Single meld is 100% so everyone can easly get it, raid gear will not be desirable unless its better than single meld (or have usefull effects unlike most of old XI AF gear)