All blizzard should do is add a ladder that resets just like D2 did and have no AH for the ladder.. so you will have to trade gold/items for items/gold
It will add a lot for many people and keep the game a bit alive..
They should of course add ladder only gear like in D2
For OP: Try out hardcore or make some challenges for yourself... only selfound gear some weird specific build you HAVE to use through it all (works best for hardcore)