Most people in this thread sound like they want to be playing an FPS not an MMO.
If you want a level playing field, play FPS or DOTA or GW or whatever. If you want character and gear progression play an MMO.
Whining casual players wanting undeserved parity ruin 90% of MMOs these days.
In the past I was one of the "hardcore", but these days I don't have the same time to spare. Does this mean all people with more gaming time than me should be neutered and forced to wait??? Does this mean there is no fun in the game for me without the top kit?
No - I pvp with my guildies in sub par gear, gradually get to BM level and still roll "kitted" full BM teams regularly.
Honestly, an MMO without a gear progression (ie something tangible to aim for) is plain boring and dies fast.
And seriously, lol if you think this game is a grind. Try RF, Aion, Soma, LoM, now thats a grind (and incidentally also some of the best open pvp games there have been).
Pandering to casual gamers destroys MMOs. Period.