RED micro-site now out!

As for the fafnir/emp debate, I honestly feel the 160 set is mainly for those who can't afford such things as fafnir or tyrants. I don't think fafnir should gain the upper hand because even if they do, it doesn't justify a transition from fafnir to vortex as most posters have stated. Someone with full empress can safely transition over because the sets are similar and really it looks like a good thing all around. I think vortex is simply a good alternative for those who did not go Root Abyss.

This.
What I love the about the idea is that it gives an alternative to those who can't afford Fafnirs/Tyrants (which is a lot of people).

It's essentially what I've wanted in this game for a long time now: logical gear progression.
It never made sense to scroll and cube an empress equip, just to get a Fafnir equip, and begin the whole (expensive) process all over again. Not to mention the fact that the only way to get said items was to be ridiculously funded or a frequent NX spender.

Empress Equipment gets buffed up to near-Fafnir levels, with the drawback of becoming untradeable and having to be level 160 to equip it. And hypothetically, Fafnir is upgraded to a new level.
So yeah, the strong get stronger, but the average player gets stronger too to help bridge the gap.

Bridging the gap between funded and unfunded is something that has needed to happen in this game for a long time. As long as this new content requires hard work over NX spending, then it will be a resounding success.

That being said, this is Nexon, and i'm thoroughly prepared to have my dreams shot down by their (gold plated) money cannons.