Entirely your opinion. There are a long line of MMO games that subscribe to a different game philosophy that precisely rewards player's achievement with better gear so that they can have a more 'epic' and powerful character. Not every MMO has to go for the 'refined 1v1 balance' approach. Some MMO's entire appeal consists in being able to build an extremely powerful character - through your efforts and achievements - in order to present a daunting opponent to the other mere mortals on your realm. It's all part of the fun. Not every MMO needs to try and balance itself to be an arena esport. You're being incredibly closed-minded. The difference in taste and opinion (and it is just that: opinion) is really the defining difference between WoW and GW. It is why they will never truly 'compete' against one another in any more meaningful way than sales figures.
I can understand where you are coming from but sometimes it becomes a case of whoever has more time to play the game gets the better gear and those that don't sit at a disadvantage for longer periods of time.
SWTOR is a prime example. on my server Republic are outnumbered and the empire are more organised. The empire players that play all day everyday (winning most) are already in full War Hero gear and have nearly instant queue pops. On repub side I have been waiting ~20 mins for games and losing more often than not due to a lack or organisation and being badly outgeared.
If gear was normalised and rewards were more epic looks, colour crystals, fancy titles etc I am sure it wouldnt put people off as long as they felt "unique" and "special" with their OMG DARTH VADER style armour as opposed to the plebs in space alien jump suits.