I was LITERALLY thinking about posting this a few hours ago, but you Said it better than i ever will!
I have never seen a single game Where i can solo a endgame zone in the worst gear i own, it is just not supposed to be that Way!

Also, i would suggest adding a new gamemode, Where maybe 10 players can play a Map,but ONLY if they are the Same guild,and it is incredibly hard...
Just a dream, but it would WAKE the game up, and there could perhaps be guild LBs of what guild can clear the maps fastest.
(Yes I am being inspired by WoW alot lately)