That's a much larger complaint about the overall design of the game, and it not aligning with how it was advertised. Currently, there is one best set of gear for PvE. Everything else you use is either stepping stones to help you get that gear, or sub-optimal, unless you're using it for PvP. It just seems a little misplaced to get upset that you can't buy that other set of suboptimal gear you want, instead of being upset that there is only one set of gear that you can use if you don't want to gimp yourself.

So if I use auto and snipers my armor that provides perks for shotguns and hand cannons is great to use right?

It's an acceptable stepping stone to get you to level 26 so you can do the raid and replace it with something actually useful.

So the raid hands out the gear and weapons I want to use and sink time and money into. Why the heck didn't anyone tell me the raid provides a vendor who hands out desired gear? I am a fool for trying to use weapons and gear I want to buy and upgrade first before doing the easy raid. Since I play at random times with no pattern I am sure I can find a group to help. LFG has not worked but maybe you can provide a suggestion?