I really think that XIV needs an "augments" system. Replacing the current gear system with a more horizontal skill affecting gear system, perhaps players could unlock augments (which would be equipped in separate gear slots and have unique effects) by doing content. These could either be skill affecting, or even glamour affecting, and would allow a sense of horizontal progression laid on top of the existing vertical progression.

In a way, gearing up isn't the main draw of running content in the slightest, and being BiS is simply a means to an end. People raid for the achievement, not the gear, with things like mounts and music rolls adding the additional incentive. Ex primals are the same, the most sought-after items from that content is the whistles, and I think what people are wanting is gear, or at least something that has the same kind of draw, instead of BiS being achieved over the course of time and not bringing any kind of accomplishment with it.