This post is a tad bit on the bothersome side, and here is why. I agree that the pvp in this game is extremely dependant on the gear that you have, but truth be told it isnt like any of it is level restricted. So essentially a level 20 who is a high level alchemist could literally have the same gear as a level 57 player. Having a vertical gear grind gives everyone the opportunity to do something at any stage of the game. I dont, under any circumstances, agree that someone who has spent hundreds of hours playing should be on the same playing field as someone who has spent maybe 50 hours. The only reason i quit playing guild wars 2 was because there was a lack of vertical grind. You would spend your time earning cosmetics instead of making some sort of progression to your character. What is the point in logging into a game to work on your character if there is nothing to work towards? At this stage of the game in mmo's over the last 10 years 95% of them were directed towards the casual player. BDO is the first hardcore mmo that remains remotely punishing since everquest 1. This game developed activities for people who are casual in the way of life skills, and the hardcore in the way of grinding. It made all aspects of the game available to everyone by removing level restrictions on gear. Further beyond that a lot of your skills are AFKable. Frankly i dont see an issue with the way the game runs. If you are upset that people out gear you, you should reconsider how you are spending your time. And the gap between you and all of the other players is minimized behind a level soft cap. If you want to feel powerful in a game either spend the time, or play WoW and hide in your garrison until raid queue pops.