From the picture (showing the stats) that ArenaNet has released, it seems that Ascended stats are a little > Exotic stats + Upgrade item, so in essence Ascended items already have the extra stats from the upgrade slot built in.
But you do know people will lose out on the rune slot, which gives you more stats and sole purpose for infusion is to fight off agony.
Why do people think these new items are game breaking People need to understand Ascended gear has better stats but its loses out the sigil slot exotics have.
Infusion is the only defense again Agony and by the sound of things agony is only present in the dugeon, which makes infusion only useful within the dungeon.
Lastly why are people crying about ascended gear is bringing back the gear grind, don't people understand how easy it is to obtain a full set of exotics.
How long before "LF2M for Arah, Exotics only"? If the dungeons are difficult and there is any stat advantage between rares and exotics then it won't be all that unlikely to happen. Also, I thought the "grind" in this game was for cosmetics only? Now apparently it's okay if it's also for "minor" stat differences? I think ANet needs to read their own MMO manifesto again.
Anet doesn't need to read it again is because what they have said holds true. None of the fights in dungeons have been about dps race so stats don't matter. If a person knows how to use his spells it'll be a successful run.