You could also argue that part of the problem is ARR's gearing. You mention DRG's scale mail, but that's one of those times when DRG's gear is a bit awkward. It's somewhere between tank and dps gear. Different types of shields for PLD. One- or two-handed WHM/BLM. The weird body+head or legs+feet combo gear.

It is a bit disappointing that they've moved away from all that variety. But at least the simplifying makes it easier to tell when you're falling behind.