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.