I actually liked how gear swap injected a method of strategy/display of skill not present in any other game I have played, but it did have many major issues with it. Instead, maybe they could do something like paradigm shifting in FFXIII. The way it could work is you could set up a # of different stat setups (physical level stats). Let's say 3 sets. And via macro, or a button toggle, activate each one in combat. This would save us from the issues of inventory space and give us a streamlined system to apply the same effect. Using this kind of system you could say, set up a balanced STR/DEX setup for normal attacks, a heavy STR setup for the attacks you dont need as much DEX for, and a VIT focused set for when the monster changes focus to you.

I sort of just thought of this on a whym, but I think it would be cool. As for gear swapping, I like the idea but I don't think I'd want it in FFXIV. I'd prefer something else more streamlined that simply gives us the same effect.