I took the time to read everything, and it was worth it. Great analysis and sugestions. Especially the WvWvW keep sugestions. 100% agree.
What I would add is: more armor models, and make them stand out more. Anet proved they can make awesome armor models with the aetherblade sets. Make more of those, make them stand out with something, not just the shape or spikes…add little trophies to them, like human cultural light armor has lab equipment attached to the belt. I don’t know why, but most armor models just seem bland to me.