Yes t4 is awesome gear, especially the weapons and rings. But...I promise pvp gear isn't worthless. The protection it offers you in pvp is good, especially on a soldier class. Really it is the dps classes that have issues with it.
The rewards for pvp are really not what players pvp for. It does give you a goal to shoot for, but pvp for pvping is what it's about. Open world is no different.
I'm not saying gear doesn't matter. It does, but it isn't everything. Some people naturally have skill in the game and can overcome despite the gear they wear. They just know how to play.