Yes and no. I see your point of it, but for me there’s not much different getting green and blue gear from Quests and dungeon and crafting or via AH. For me +stats gear is “cheating”. Just as much as potions and buffs.
But I do not let other’s “cheating” or not destroy my fun and my feeling of triumph should I ever reach max level.
If people buy their way to 60, is their problem, not mine, this is personal challenge. I know well people cheat, was like this ever since NoDeath was invented. But when all said and done they only cheat themselves.
The only way of giving HC servers longevity is to impose few, clear rules and then let people regulate via honour or addon what they like to add to this challenge.