Maybe some people doesn't want to change their gender just to use a specific item. I think that you, of all, would understand this, you are always upset and nervous when useful feminine items are introduced and you are "forced" to use them if you want to have the best in the slot.
The specific item we are talking about is the Gentleman horse and the only reason this has come for a change is the IFBC , if it wasnt for this reason I'm 100% sure no one would ever care to change the stats of the horses to be the same for female and male. I don't have a problem with the change but like Marny said it can be done AFTER the IFBC is over.
Like I said many teams have prepared ahead of time so their players specifically choose male for the sole purpose of having the Gentleman horse. Changing it now just because of the IFBC removes the purpose of tactics that the teams chose to follow.
I don't mind using feminine items , of course I would've liked if the items were for only male and only female I'm not denying that, but I never had an issue of wearing a skirt or a blouse so my character has better stats.
In general this IFBC showcases the most badly managed event ever recorded in this game and I'm sure a lot of players can agree with this. I guess it runs in the veins of all InnoGames employees the "Bad management"