While this is definitely unfeasible, maybe someone could alter this idea into something more so. Having played other MMOs, maybe they could throw in a new vendor, a crafter of sorts. They will be there solely for upgrading armor and weapons (maybe using motes, ascendant materials, or even a new added material). However, I do agree that it shouldn't be easy to upgrade gear, because part of the fun is the pride you take in saying, "Yeah, I went through all of that, but you know what? For me, it was worth it."