So much this.
I understand wanting incentive, or a reward for accomplishments.
But inequality in a game that is supposed to be a contest of skill seems to me to be an oxymoron of sorts.
Find another way to award pvpers. Free month of gameplay, or titles, or recognition, or special quest lines.
Gear progression /makes sense in a way/ for pvers so they can continue to advance in content and story against tougher and tougher NPC fights...for PVPers the advancement should be facing other EQUALLY skilled players, wouldn't you rather have a fair challenge so you know your actual skill worth in a ranking system?
The joy of pvp is that people are capable of skill and surprises. Diluting that dilutes the quality of gameplay.
Consider this. FPSers have only a little in the way of gear advancement, are built around accolades, and many are known for having international competitive competitions. Why shouldn't rpg pvp have a similar system?
