You'll still be able to buy S3 stuff without a min rating when S4 starts (less the shoulder's/weapon) -- for cheaper even.

But honestly, if you're losing 90% of your 5v5 games the best you'll do is ~300 points per week. So, for example, the S3 helm costs 1875 points. It is going to take you, at minimum, 6 weeks to get. Is that welfare? 6 weeks. 1 item. (when S4 starts, you could pick it up in 5 weeks. So that's something to look forward to)

It's still an mmo. You don't really have to be that good to get anything. You just need time spent.

edit: I forgot all about the op's question... My plan is to have arena points for the S4 gloves (only thing without a rating req.) and use my saved honor points to buy up the S2 stuff. I'll add S3 stuff when I have points available (starting with the pieces that req. WSG tokens. I hate wsg). I'm still running around in full rep pvp blue gear because I don't want to start buying S1 stuff when S2 for honor is just around the corner.

Gear-wise, at least I'll be somewhat competitive at that point.