Any mmo is the same way, world of warcraft with every new expansion you have new gear and the old is now obsolete. It's just the way of a good mmo, out with the old, in with the new. Think of how boring this game would be if everyone rocked ice breakers and gjallahorn all the time. As for the raid, I honestly think you're just butt hurt from it. The raid is by far the best I've played. I've beaten it 3 times now, each time teaching a new group. It takes massive team work and individual skill.