Yikes gathering is way too confusing

[Brightamethyst]

What this game needs are also Quests for Crafters and Collectors, when you get exp for something, that doesn't actually require of you to collect or craft a specific thing.
Combat Classes have thousands of quests that help them to level up, but crafters and collectors have absolutely none at all....

Pretty sure leves, ixal, moogle, and namazu dailies already exist.

So there are only two options, pay million's for "Starter end game gear" or grind for weeks for "Starter end game gear".. *shrugs*.. if that's the only two options, it's not like I have much choice.

No one said that. The high end stuff will always be expensive and/or a grind, but the starter stuff isn't. You can buy NQ level 70 i290 tools and left side gear from vendors in Kugane, and one week worth of custom delivery turn ins will get you enough yellow scripts to buy most, if not all of the blue i350 accessories. That's more than enough to get started while you grind of save for the better gear.

[Dmhlucky]

Upgrading gear is a basic in any MMO. You get the added bonus in this one with the job quests often giving you level appropriate gear.
If you choose only 1 gathering job, you are limited to 1 "free piece every 5 levels, but if you level all 3, thats 3/5 main pieces free, and Main and offhand tools free.

Getting accessories isn't hard either, and you don't Have to go with the Best if you are just leveling. You can grind in items you have decent rates on and sell them either on the AH or Stores, or craft if available.

Ignore the guides. Just find points your level and harvest. Do levequests if you can, they are Great for leveling, and occasionally will reward you with gear or useful items.

Use your abilities (if that wasn't already obvious) to improve your gathering rates into an acceptable level if needed.

I think in general, you are over complicating one of the simpler elements of this game.