Right now, the only 'downside' to dying is getting damaged gear. Take that away and there is almost no noticeable effect of dying. So they may choose to bring something else in? (level loss, xp loss, much longer incapacitated time, etc).

Unless one of those is preferred, staying with damaged gear will be the option. That being said a mechanic for doing repairs should be introduced that makes it simple and non-annoying to do. As has been suggested, a simple 'target', 'repair all', regardless of your present class, should be allowed, provided you have the right skill.