There is in no way it is elitest, its just how people pressure things. You dont HAVE to get Sniper Rings or stuff like that, just people will get invited over you. And that is natural, i mean why not? When people can have something better, they will. Not having Sniper Rings at lvl 50 does not mean you are in anyway gimp. Not having at least decent gear however is pushing it. Some basic things like Dark Staves are too cheap not to get so you have to draw the line between gimp, decent, and top end gear.

If you think people are too elitest then maybe switch servers...i honestly dont care as long as you get decent or at least semi-decent gear. Depends on the people actually. There are minimal standards, but theres also a line between top end gear and just plain stupid.