With each new event, the original crusaders slide toward obsolete model graveyard.
so how about...
In each event where new crusaders are introduced, adding a special objective, which after completing, a modification chest(which improves an original crusader) is rewarded.
some possible examples:
4th gear slot...
increase in their cap level...
A subtle or drastic change into a Tier 2 version...

The objective could always not be completed by players that don't want to have the Modification...or perhaps option to toggle changes off/on

I think they are already working on making the base 20 useful again. For example:
* When they introduced Draco as a DPS Crusader King Reginald became useful b/c of his buff to all royals.
* When Montana James got introduced it gave Emo an edge.
* Siri made Sara stand out from the crowd when she was released, but she has since faded back into the background again.
* Brogon got Fire Phoenix back in the game.
As each new Crusader gets released I find myself with a new and strangely shaped part. I dust off my tool chest and look through all of the parts I have not used for a while and see if there is any that fit well with my new one.

What I want to know is what they are going to do when all of the original 20 Crusaders have full GEs? Am I wrong in thinking that they already made GEs of the choicest gear? Are there any GEs on the original 20 that you would like to see?

>YES! A wand for the Bush Whacker. He is one of the very few crusaders without any GE (Lion even has two...), and a wand than increases his positional skill would be very nice (especially since I never seem to be able to drop an epic one form him...)

I dunno about that... Swordplay is already one of the strongest upgrades in the game, and a lot of people still use BW + crit buffs at the end of a run. In many cases it will take you from barely making a dent in trash mobs before wiping to clearing boss levels before any mobs get into attack range. I don't like the idea of a paid upgrade that makes arguably the best progression crusader in the game even better. I much prefer GEs that take an original Crusader who has fallen out of favor because a new event Crusader in that slot does a better job filling the same role, and provide enough of a buff so that choosing which Crusader to use in that slot becomes an interesting/close call again. That way it's still appealing and feels worth the money if I buy it, but I don't feel like my ability to progress in the game has been permanently gimped if I miss out on it.

i use many original crusaders. they are not obsolete.

Well, Erika has said that we would see more GE(s) but no plans yet.