A compact design on mission planning interface as an alternative option. Toggle on/off in settings, based on user’s preference. It would group all of the same (or similar) items into 1 easy-to-navigate dropdown menu. Stuff like ICA19 pistols, remote explosives, coins, syringes, poison vials etc.
Note: Silver/Gold/Floral/Cherry Blossom ballers could get a separate category due to having higher accuracy.
I’ve thought of illustrating this very thing so many times, but never got down to doing it. So, thanks for the effort you’ve put into these 2 examples!
Re: guns. They would have to be separated by stats… Maybe? I almost exclusively use the ICA19 Goldballer anymore. I might substitute one of the Krugermeier guns if I think I’ll be shooting close to an NPC. Perhaps we could put a checkmark by whichever version we have for a favorite so it always displays or just shows as the default weapon/firearm in your loadout. Or it could just stay as the last gun you chose without having to set a fave. 
Forgot to add:
There would also be a separate tab for blacklisted gear. They are chosen by the player on individual basis and wouldn’t appear on gear selection screen. This is where you can throw the gear that you don’t plan to use at all.
They would be listed under “stashed/reserved gear” button in the far corner of the UI, clicking which would show the items if you happen to need one after all.
What does it achieve? Free up an already clogged interface of gear that you will likely never use. For most it would unsilenced firearms, melee items or variations of existing tools.
Alternatively, a way to “favorite/star” the items that you do want to use.
