The only issue with this statement, is that it is incorrect. But not incorrect in the way most would think. This statement is incorrect because there is indeed “gatekeeping”, just not by any one individual in-particular. We all know that higher iLevels wont accept lower iLevels. We also know that a lower iLevel will have a LOT of trouble finding people who want to run the at-iLevel content.
So no, it isn’t gatekeeping in the way that any one person is stopping anyone. But it IS gatekeeping in the way that the system in place is creating a divide between players making it more difficult to accomplish.