Yeaaaaah I don't think so. I understand what you both are saying, but Blizzard being Blizzard they'll still have to make the leveling game in Cata possible for someone who never set foot in one instance in WotLK. Because many people will be rolling into the game for the first time, and so will transition to the Cata content at like 78, the way we take our alts to Outland now at 58 and Northrend at 68.

Did the outland and Northrend stuff blow the equipment I was carrying at the time away? Sure, but I also didn't raid back then. I can't see green drops in Cata being iLvl 264 or better. Sure, by 85 we'll be getting new gear. But ICC raiders can plan on carrying that stuff through most of early Cata.

As an aside, by bro came into WotLK in BC's top-tier Arena gear and didn't find any upgrades (questing, not PvP) until lvl 76 or so.

Yes, Blizzard has made it easier to get higher level gear than ever, but they still have to cater to the lowest common denominator, which is first-time leveling dude who never set foot in a dungeon. If that person gets wtfpwned on their first quest in Cata because they're wearing iLvl 200 mixed blues, he or she will stop playing.

Or did I take the crazy pills again this morning?