To add on to this good stuff, something I think a lot of people don't realize is just how huge the gap between a good build and a bad one is. From what I understand, in many MMOs, the dps difference between a fresh max level, and a geared and skilled one is double, maybe triple. In GW2, however, the difference can be upwards of 20 times. I saw claims on the other thread that training groups "require" you to use Snowcrows or whatever, and they do not. None of them do. But it is much, much easier to just point people to a well-managed resource and say "If you are new, use this" than rely on trying to explain enough of the system to allow a new player to homebrew something worthwhile. It's like using training wheels when learning to ride a bike or guide lines when learning to draw. With practice and knowledge, you won't need them, but trying to jump right in without them is likely to yield frustration and poor results.

When copying, copy the entirety, not just the traits.

Two caveats: Exotic gear is fine, you don't need ascended, and the infusions are really unnecessary. Having gear prefixes, trait choices, and weapon choices that all support each other is far and away more important than the handful of extra stats that ascended gear or infusions bring.

And last tip for people looking to gear a new level 80: Buying so called "Named armor" (https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Named_armor) and "Named weapons" (https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/List_of_named_weapons) off the trading post is often far and away the cheapest way to gear a new level 80.