You always see ideas thrown around in regards to gearing.
Well, here is a thought to grind up. Why not have more quests that reward the player with items. Make them bind (ie, dragons) and stat them the same as most common non-rare items.
We already have a few quests that reward items, one I might add isnt bad at all for a 50. Why not continue this through a basic set of gear. Wouldnt have to even be a complete set.
Just a thought.