When using the Flashpoint and Operation finder there should be a Flat out min gear level requirement to queue for it. Let's take Lost Island Hard-mode Flashpoint for example With new update to 1.5 at level 50 characters get 99 Tionese Commendations they can use to equipped Tionese gear level 126. I have seen players Queue for Lost Island Hard-mode and not even have 1 Piece of Tionese gear equipped there highest gear level was 116. (“I have seen this more than once.”) Since Lost Island Hard mode is at the top of the hardest Flashpoints to run I would suggest that 1/2 of the gear needs to be Columi gear or better to queue for it. Granted that means a live gear level meter needs to be installed at the character sheet but I think that would be a good thing to have for the game. However if players want to group up and run a flashpoint or Operation and not use the Flashpoint finder then there should be a recommended gear level at that point for the players.
Note: There is that no one reads but it is in the mission log it reads: {(Hard Mode) this mission is for a well-equipped group of four players.}