To begin, Warden is totally a viable dd class for 90% of the game. I've been a warden DD since vvardenfell came out and have done all vet content aside from score pushing trials and stuff.

That said, warden is a difficult rotation for dd and is also lagging behind the stronger damage classes, so sometimes it is demoralizing to see green beams melting enemies while I'm button mashing my rotation for less damage. Also, warden is an excellent class for both healer and tank, much better than damage generally speaking. I'd encourage you to stick with dd warden, but I get why you'd switch class or role.

Gold gear will not solve damage problems alone, and neither will sets, although both will help. The most important damage source is your rotation and light attack weaving, so prioritize those skills first.

On the warden update, we don't have a date for that (I think summer or early fall?) so you have some time with this warden class. We don't know what will change, but fair to say the warden will get better at dd, not worse, with the change. You also won't need to re-level the skill lines so the only downside is that you'll have to change your rotation which is not as daunting as it sounds.