I like how you assume things, like many (MANY) people do! You know the saying about assume, don't you? I really don't understand how you can make such a definitive statement, unless you are one of the original designers or developer. Even if you are one of those two, then it would mean that you are one of the dissimulators; I can say this because of all the statements that have been made on reddit, the news/updates, on interviews and on the pre-release videos, where it was clearly stated that your armor and even your weapons define you. How can you be defined if you are forced to surrender, or at minimum, give up using items. While things can, and do go obsolete, somethings don't; admittedly they may need to be fixed or worked on, but let me use a real life example. Let's look at automobiles, which would you think would get more attention? A spanking new Chevrolet, or say a 1957 Chevrolet that is still in good condition? Now let's say you are a real motor head, and you are really into cars; which engine and drive train would you be more likely to work on, and once done, which do you think would be the fastest and most powerful? So, back to the subject at hand; I do agree about needing progression, but progression doesn't always mean that you need new, sometimes, just fixing up the old can be just as good, or even possibly better.