Just wanted to add my voice into the chorus of discontent.
This gear update completely invalidates many of the impressions I was left with after reading and hearing their game vision. It’s different than what has been presented thus far after pre-launch and 2 months in game, and it’s not something I would have paid for previously if I knew this was their intent.
That said, I have paid for the game, and haven’t completed its initial content. I will probably complete at least one character for the full world exploration. But if this update stands or isn’t rectified in a future patch, Anet/NcSoft can count me out for future gem and expansion purchases.