Well, upgrading from g1 to g5 for suits/weps is very similar how E vs A rated modules are, atleast the way I see it. Still for suits/weapons, only diffrence is that upgrading needs materials as well along of cost in credits, its again same reason, its cheap trick to force ppl play with limited content. And I dont mind it at all, cuz it actually makes use of those rather numerous list of odyssey thingies to find.
Besides, soon enough, materials gathering will be easier, as devs already have plans for makin it easier. Some of ideas are nice, and it will certainly help with getting fully G5 and modded stuff, both for ships and equipment. But u need wait probly some time for tha.