I keep reading that the problem with the update is that it's removed too much loot from the game's economy. But what if we're thinking about it all backwards like?
Seriously, keep the update and drop the cost of all upgrades by about 75%. Loot will still be harder to come by but a) you won't need as much of it and b) you won't need to try and hoard it for so long...
People will raid and upgrade, and all balance will be restored.

