I'd like to see this system get completely redone. All of the items required to upgrade armor/weapons they break the DB feel of the game. Not to mention the main fact in regards to this type of upgrade system. No legitimate MMO uses it. This is the type of upgrade system you find in mobile games and other types of "Free to Play MMOs" which basically act as a money pit.
But then again perhaps it acts too much as a game mechanic already...I just feel slightly disgusted when I see this type of weapon and armor system. I'm certainly not blaming the current developers at all. But you can certainly tell just by looking at this game where the original creators intended on making a majority of their money.