I can’t ignore this anymore! Something should be done about it!

[ashikenshin]

I hate what they did to the behinds, seeing the 1.0 models make it worse

[TaranTatsuuchi]

They removed the belts because having to allow for all the different belt styles each class could wear was hampering their ability to create unique looking gear (think Acolyte/Foestriker gear for examples of such gear) that wouldn't have jarring clipping issues with the belts. It was a choice between displaying all belts and having truly interesting gear. iirc the AF in V1 overrode belts so they wouldn't be displayed also.

This is one example of how the dev team took a step back and made design decisions based on larger considerations that aren't as apparent to users. Perhaps contributers to this thread should consider that design decisions they don't like may be made to avoid problems we aren't aware of.
...

Actually, thinking about this, having the pieces that are less compatible with belts could have them remove equipped belts and stat+ to compensate...

Just like the other pieces that do the same... Such as the cowls, and other chest pieces that remove headgear...

*shrug*