Hey Jan!
I have been thinking of something crazy, but call me Rex
Why not make a new "core" completely separate from SC/HC, so you cannot bring items to this core.
Items can be bought and traded at will like normal. But only during the season, and items go poof after reset amd start from ground zero again. However, you will keep prof gains.
Little twist, upon a death you are set back one class, you will only get 1 guild point until you are back to your highest class you were at.
Due to this being a slightly harder core, slightly higher guild points for each pass.
And, due to items disappearing after reset, drop rates are significantly higher..talking about alot....like a alot.
Events would come back and be tripled of what they were. Add a little craziness to the core. Spice it up some.
Just throwing it out there. This would solve many of the issues. I think it would keep everybody happy. Brings a new challenge to the game. And doesn't take away from the people that have been collecting gear forever and still can play SC or HC and do their thing.
But eh, I have crazy ideas. But crazy is just what we maybe need.
P.s
This obviously would need more tweaking, but could definitely be a game changer if implemented correctly.