I personally dont care because I am capable of doing all content, but I understand the frustration of those that are at the back of the competition threshold.
I do not have the desire to do all the content but I am sure there is something I can't do. But I do like to make good suit for my toons. You can basically build a suit for a mage that is only missing the eaters. Eaters do not instantly eat damage. If you get hit with 2 60 damages in a row and your HP is <120. you die with or without eaters.
Many of the 12 stat pieces would not make a better mage. I do not need >10 dex.
The ones with Dex/Stam and Str/HP are desired in PvP.
I would wear neither of the two items above on my Tamer/Mages. The shield would fly off every time I cast. I wear Cuffs so the arms would not be used.
My Dexxers would not use those arms, If I made a fresh dexxer I could build around the shield but my current ones are maxxed for what they need with what they have so the shield would not be used.
I do not feel that I am at any disadvantage in PVM without those type pieces. I am not at the back of the competition threshold at all.