In the most recent update that introduced Colin and Grouch back to team, it was brought up about the design philosophy of putting players first. GW 2 is one of the few MMOs that exist that I feel has the robust crafting system that allows you to almost craft all top end gear. I say almost since currently Jewelcrafters can't craft ascended and unfortunately, seems that the game has falling victim to what has befallen every other MMO that only certain legendary items can be obtained by playing one of the three game modes, PVP, WVW, or by Raiding. This is the same restrictions that every other MMO has in terms of "vertical" progression that the "best" gear can only be obtained this way. I know that Ascended and Legendary share the same stats so it's not about "more power", yet the convivence of Legendary Armor as well the big game addition of the Legendary Armory where does that leave causal players.
I am currently playing GW 2 and returned to the game primarily due to the fact in other MMOs, you feel like you are being forced into content you don't necessarily want to play or participate in to get anywhere in the game, or for the "vertical" progression. Even though Legendary Armor, Trinkets and other Legendary pieces are horizontal due to no power upgrade, they are a vertical progression in terms of convivence in the ability to change stats at will for the versatility of being able to run more than one build with out having to worry about a second set of gear. Since they are already long term projects to begin with, crafting any legendary in the game, why the restriction behind only 3 forms of game content to get the armor? Since returning after a 7 year break from the game, the addition of being able to craft precursors and legendary weapons was added, a nice addition. So why not armor?