I like the old GW1 armor system where gameplay was clearly skill based and gear was just a way to mold your build.
With the ascended gear and upcoming updates that will make legendaries the most powerful weapons in the game, Anet will be turning GW2 into GWoW2 IMO.
We will probably be seeing more and more gear treadmills just like Fractals.
IMHO Exotic gear and weapons should be the strongest items available in the game. Ascended gear should only be meant for Fractals and fractals should be a place that gets you closer to your shiny legendary (which should be no stronger than an exotic weapon).
Stay true to your old GW1 veterans and fans Anet.