Naxxramas

[Warlock]

Will never happen because this is a MMORPG and not a FPS. The main difference between RPG and other games is, that the skills of the char weigh more than the skills of the player. This is why you have all the stats on your MMORPG char: to reflect how good he is on certain things. Improving your char is a main motivation factor in these games. By improving your char you get bet than others, even if them are better than you on actually controlling the game on a personal level.

The often repeated lament that equip > skills is true, and it is intended. If you don't like it, then may I ask you why you just don't play a FPS like e.g. UT 2004 where everyone starts even and the only equipment you pick up ist that on the battlefield itself? Sounds more like the game you are looking for.
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All true. However, the source of upgrades is dissatisfying to many.

Some people like to play solo. The best equipment for this playstyle is obtained through raiding.
Some people like to play in small groups. The best equipment for this playstyle is obtained through raiding.
Some people like player vs player combat. The best equipment for this playstyle is obtained through raiding (with a limited exception for those that play almost continuously).
Some people like crafting. The best recipes and many components for this are obtained through raiding.
Some people like raiding. The best equipment for this playstyle is obtained through raiding.
Some people like a variety of playstyles. The best equipment for a mixed playstyle is obtained through raiding.

If instead of the raid or quit paradigm each style was in general the best way to improve your equipment for that style there would be a lot fewer dissatisfied players. For instance, learning new high level epic crafting recipes could be learned as a result of making several different related rare pieces.