I can see where it would help considerably, though, by removing or at least, alleviating, the distraction of trying to acquire the best gear to fight in.

While the gear may need tweaking to be perfect (for one's chosen playstyle), at least you're not stuck with inferior gear to do it with.

lol I have been rolled by and defeated those with 'superior' gear in arena. I think people miss out on the important thing... just have fun! It actually wasn't *less* fun to lose then it was to win. It was more epic and exciting but at the same time I have always picked up a new trick or just in general learned something new every time I have stepped into the arena. That is more important to me then being the absolute best, mostly because the best didn't get that way by whining their gear wasn't as good as others. They got there because they had fun and continued to learn how to be the best.

I look forward to seeing you in the arena! And no, don't hold back even if I lose I will learn something very important there.