Quote:It's unfortunate that you can't purchase the BG reputation rewards when you've met the rep. requirement but before you meet the level requirement. That would probably placate the twinks, although I'm sure there are negative consequences there that I'm not seeing.
I'm actually in a similar boat with my mage. I've ended up leveling out of the 49 bracet earlier than I really wanted to in order to get myself positioned better as the patch approaches. I fully expect to get burnt on my AV rep. and probably my AB rep as well. (I won't be particularly heartbroken over the AV rep., but AB will be a bitter pill to swallow. 12000/21000 currently, and it will hurt to loose that progress.)
Well, you can purchase the AB items before you've met the requirement. But given the slow speed of AB rep accrual, you'll probably get to use them faster if you purchase them under the new system. I guess they might just remove the rep requirement from all of the items, giving you a free upgrade without the rep. Only the PTR will tell!
I was disappointed I wouldn't get an automatic pass to new phat loots based on rep, but the change is really good. The new system is flat-out more sustainable and gives them the option to periodically add new items to battleground and honor vendors, which is a somewhat exciting possibility. It also levels the playing field in PvP a bit by making nice weapons and gear (truly) available to anyone.