I was really excited about the new mechanics, when heard of them the first time. Given my time to play, I'm mostly doing solo stuff and was looking forward to get new gear easier, but no...
Played about 20 FPs, and all I got was greens, useful the first few runs until I had the new green Onderon gear, and then`nothing useful anymore.
So, unfortunately I have to agree with most of what was said before.
Rethink the new gearing, it is not "play like you want", or skip it at all. Give us the new story and be done with it.