Then we have the same problem, but all alts combined into one. It doesn't really matter if its alts or one super char, except to the people who limit themselves to one char. For a problem such as this those two things are indentical.
It does matter - if you can play with one char, "jack-of-all-trades" and do what you want (fight, barter, travel, make items), you will play, because fast/dual/multi relogs or proxy voodoo shit is far from comfortable playing, believe me.
Now most players I know, including myself, are "jack-of-all-trades" anyway, but it requires these goddamn alts.
We need to get rid of reason to make alts, not alts themselves.
Enzo if you don't participate PvP, high-tier gear isnt't needed in large amount. Besides you can buy stuff from other players, not make it by yourself - earn some caps on drugs you've made and change them into armors, and so on.