Gimmicks are hardly compensation, IMO.
It's not as if this is a reliable solo, nor one that many RDMs could accomplish under the best-case scenario.
I strongly disagree. His gear choices and play style have been mimicked to death, the only unique piece of gear he uses is the Ice accuracy Magian staff.
It always seems that way when he does it first. He's made the impossible seem possible. Seiryu and Suzaku come to mind, both which many people have done after (or maybe even before him.)
Cactrot Rapido comes to mind especially. A lot of people tried to mimic that fight and grew bored of it. They made careful and specific adjustments based upon Avesta. Instead of only using Poison, others gained so much confidence, they would use Bio a number of times to speed up the fight, or even have a good melee set for Ceremonial Enspells. The most intriguing to me, is a particular RDMs use of equipment, none that most even think of. Even Avesta hasn't done this. Subtle Blow, which allowed the RDM to nuke Rapido from 60% without using a single TP move. Despite its name, Subtle Blow also reduces the TP given to enemies from damaging spells.
All of Avesta's "impressive" videos have been recreated or adjusted. People realized Suzaku is a joke to straight tank, with or without a reliable Slow II. Seiryu will continue to be just as hard as the cat, if not more difficult due to natural Regain. What is the difference between Seiryu and Byakko? Seiryu has TP Regain and is IMMUNE to Gravity. Byakko is neither. Obviously there are people who have Suzy and Seiryu under their belt, one of which is on our server.
Furthermore, if you say RDM soloing is boring...Haste and Refresh cycles are exciting for you? Okay, got it. Thanks. No more Haste for you!