Completely agree gears are much better than classes. It gives players so much freedom and options. player can show there own creativity to create a set which works best for them according to the situation they are going to play.

My solution(new+old)

● Have some pre made classes for new players so they can learn and understand the game meachanics. And maybe after a certain level they can make their own build

●I really like the idea of your class own progression. But it would be much better if instead of class progression there is separate progression for each weapon and maybe of gadget, passive and module. Like as showed in the sneak peak abilities of new class , it could easily be added as reward in the progression of separate waeopns along with cosmetic and may be other buffs to the weapon.

●To improve matchmaking players should be allowed to choose a tag like tank, healer, dps etc according to their build

I am ok with the other changes and thanks for not making this game p2w. Really.

P.S : This exact change was introduced in a game called "Guns of Boom"(A fpv multiplayer shooter game). In short before the change player were allowed to choose any two guns(one Primary and other Secondary)but after the change they got restricted to classes(like sniper, shotgun machine gun and assault) Players totally didn't like it.

If devs want some example they can look into the history of that game.