I'm all about stat bonuses! The appearance of the gear is nice, but to me the important part is the gameplay aspect. Stats are incorporated into gameplay and effect gameplay so to me that's more important and something I strive to achieve. I understand the way your character looks may effect how others play the game through RP or possibly PvP, but my goal with gear upgrades is to effect my character's gameplay. All the stats are woven into gameplay so allowing me to alter that gameplay with better stats on a new piece of gear interests me much more than the appearance aspect of gear. I'll be the horribly dressed cleric that heals the group with ease and deals huge damage to vile undead.
Aside what Loot should be in favor of the played characters present...
The unexpected element of the loot dropped. Random results work like a wrapped present. (eager to know what's in the chocolate) And not just what a loot item would be liked for stats, but who knows.. the ogre may have been carrying a bouquet of flowers as well.
In response to 2 posts above, a system of augments may be introduced (later), like in EQ, which would up a certain class/type of gear without needing to replace the whole thing.
I'll look to find a match with my playstyle and passive stats. At the same time, I'm keep looking ahead to what challenges I'm currently facing and which I might forsee in the nearby future.
If I managed to get a good guildgroup, I'll be looking to upgrade my character to fit my groupmembers the best as possible. Even if that means that I need to generalize more than I would initially prefer.
When an upgrade has an appearance and it looks horrible, I'll keep it. At the same time, I'll be very quick in switching to something that suits my appearance whenever I've got the opportunity to.
Main and 1st alt, will most likely not be equipped with something I find visually appaling. In terms of raiding, I do what is neccessary, I'll switch out to more fitting gear when I'm out of raid.
I still want to enjoy playing my characters and part of that enjoyment is watching them on my screen. So between raids, that could mean going suboptimal for sake of enjoyment and having a good time.
