So I was thinking about gear maxes and thought of this that I think would alleviate running zones and coming out empty handed.
Instead of just making gear unlimited or raising the maxes, what if NO_RENT versions of the items loaded instead that could be used for 2-3 hours before decaying. You could also have the option to train them for high notes and the closer the item gets to decaying, the weaker the mote.
Just spitballing here.