That isn't entirely true; Jade uses a plain set of robes.
The lack of any armor at all in the elite shop is a little disturbing though. There also seem to be a few weapons missing (like kama, sickle, spear, staff, etc), and some of the weapons in the elite shop are worse than the ones available on the planes (a +2 scimitar that gives you +5 to parry?). Simply choosing the right weapon to start can give you an edge. Choosing longsword over bastard sword lets you save a feat (Exotic) and lets you get a +5 weapon instead of +4. Not usually that big a deal, unless you happen to be fighting a Premonitioned mage with stacked damage shields.
Of course, if all of the weapons were equal in terms of bonuses then no one would be using bastard swords or katanas (except JYAP) or longswords or maces or any of the other often overlooked weapons. I see your dilemma.