There are plenty of competitive players in PvP who don't spend plat and have worked they way to getting the best possible equips. There are also plenty of good PvP Players (like Cero) who PvP without the best possible equips and are very successful.

You have some great suggestions, and maybe one day they'll be implemented, but not before STS is able to create a new more profitable revenue stream to replace what they'll be giving away.