Anyone who had the fortune of transferring their character with the knowledge and eldarium can benefit from any delved or learned recipes. I wouldn’t consider it illegitimate play. There are still many people who use their Siptah gear. They’re not doing anything wrong.

But, I do agree it speaks volumes of the DLC P2W factor and always has, especially when Siptah gear was leagues better than it’s Exiled counterparts.

Many have asked that transfers not include the ability to bring along loot from the get go. It was quite difficult for many to compete on PvP with god coins and of course those who did not purchase Siptah.

However, back to your original point, afaik there are no base game equivalents like you’re saying.