Maybe so, but as the gear we had so far is completely satisfactory the new stuff is really only needed for the most hardcore PvPers.
I was facerolling Elite STFs in standard gear and was beating up non PvPers with highest gear with 8 level difference and crap Mk V consoles...
That doesn't mean, I am an Überplayer, just above average enough to cope with anyhing in game that is not a min/maxing player without problems.
So why do I need the best gear again I have to grind months and months for?
Well ships, anyway, the gear is not that difficult to get. But necessary it is not.