I think you all have to chill out. The question was not all that hard. The brand and degree of application was not the question in it's safe. But the object is the same.
As you grow in the sport you well need more and deferent equipment. But The basic dive set up for the average diver has not changed that much. As most divers do not go Tek, Deep water, advanced nitrox or Evey Rec. dive Master. Trends have shown that 50% never go past or need to go past OW 33% or 1 third go AOW. Depending where you live is the answer to th water [ Cold or not, fresh or salt]. So the answer is not that hard.
Each diver well up grade as time and need changes. You don't need to ask at the LDS you look at the other divers where you are diving. See weight they are using as far as wet suits and dry suits. Then fined a fit and brand you like and get it. Fines, mask, hood, gloves, boots, snorkel, safety sage, Wiesel, knife and shear. real and light.
Regs, tanks, bcd, dive computer. [ you need to be able to reach the max bottom time allowed and make a safe stop too.] If you can do this you are there. You have all you need. The next level well cast more! [Training and equipment].
This is my opinion and that in its self in worth 2 cent.
