I think it has a lot to do with different classes and playstyles needing different types of items. And of course the general idea of having to keep the big six somewhat up to date.
So if such a guide would be made it would have to be tailored to classes in general.
Although a few very nice generic items exist which benefit almost everyone equally.
I think the scope of the magic items available makes it a daunting task to start and with the big 6 in play there isn't really a lot to write about optimization wise. As far as "useful" there really is no way to separate the "useless" out any item can have its time to shine, bang for your gold is fairly well balanced outside of the things the CR system assumes you will have and thus "need".
I like reading about the magic items in the game and really that's about your only hope, I know that's a lot of reading. If you are looking for items that are particularly good for a specific class look for a class guide but as far a general utility most items are on par with anything else available, depending on the situation.
Mostly its because different magic items will be useful or not useful to different characters. There are pretty much no absolutes except for like stat boosting items, but even then a specific item would or wouldnt be useful depending on the character. If I have a character in mind I could do it, but it would have to be like a series of articles about different kinds of characters and what is useful to them.
Then there is the matter of play style, item availability in campaigns, and all sorts of other issues that make such a guide more or less useful. I for instance have replaced the vast majority of magic items in my game with a set of house rules that give characters abilities as they level up and removed the ability to craft non-consumable magic items by normal means. So there are very few permanent magic items in my game, and they are all tailored ot the characters with a back story.
While that is an extreme case, there are so many significant variations of how magic items work and are treated at different tables that is all but impossible to write a usable guide.
Well, there's certainly lots of s@+$ in the books. Weapon properties costed as +1 that let's you add your enhancement bonus to Craft: Basketweaving. Permanent magic items with very situational spells. Bracers of Armor. Stuff like that.
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Some of the guides in the Guide to Class Guides have sections for recomended items.
http://zenithgames.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-comprehensive-pathfinder-guides .html
I also encounter useful the next link, although it is not intended as an exhaustive guide to items, in fact it's pretty short.
http://zenithgames.blogspot.com/2013/11/improving-your-class-with-items.htm l
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What is the big six now anyways as all the stat boosters are collapsed into two I'm thinking its
1belt stat booster
2headband stat booster
3 I want to say RoP but if your using magic armor then its useless.
4 BoA same as above
5 cloak of resist
6magic weapon?
Btw does anyone else dislike how RoP has been needed over the years used to be one item that stacked with everything. Now its two and they may or may not stack.
What is the big six now anyways as all the stat boosters are collapsed into two I'm thinking its
1belt stat booster
2headband stat booster
3 I want to say RoP but if your using magic armor then its useless.
4 BoA same as above
5 cloak of resist
6magic weapon?Btw does anyone else dislike how RoP has been needed over the years used to be one item that stacked with everything. Now its two and they may or may not stack.
RoP? ring of protection? that would give you a deflection bonus so it stacks with magic armor.
what's a BoA?
The big six are, opinions vary but, belt and/or headband, ring of protection, amulet of natural armor, cloak of resist, armor. with casters having trouble with armor and not needing a weapon the 6 in the big six is kind of vague.
Bracers of Armor are a terrible deal. Assuming you're going for AC, not special abilities - but those are better gained from a haramaki or buckler. Until you've maxed out your Natural Armor, your Ring of Protection, your Dex belt and your various +1 AC baubles, those +5 and above Bracers are more expensive than the alternatives (and they don't help CMD or touch AC either).
That's the sad thing about itemisation in pathfinder in general, there are TONS of items, but in the end people always use the same boring ones because ultimately they are the most efficient:
Headband: Headband of Charisma,Int, Wisdom
Head: Jingasa of the Fortunate soldier
Belt: Belt of Str, Dext, Const
Eyes: +5 or +10 to perception
Shoulders: Cloak of Resistance
Amulet: Amulet of Natural Armor
Ring 1: Ring or Protection
Ring 2: Ring of Freedom of movement, invisibility or feather fall
Feet: Fly or Haste
The more "variable" slots, are usually:
Hands
Wrist
Chest
Body
but sadly that's because there are very few interesting magic items in those slots.
It is too bad because there are some nice flavorful items for most of those slots, but stats, saves and ac are just too important for players to even consider other options.
I am actually thinking that the next AP I will DM will have no amulet of natural armor, no ring of protection and no cloak of resistance, at least.
That might make players start looking into the more varied and flavorful items and will bring back a lot of spells in use, typically Protection from evil AC and Save bonus does not stack with cloak of protection and ring of resistance, so they will use it more.
Who knows I might even remove Belt and headband of stats, so that bull's strength and stuff makes a come back!
As I understand it, this is the "Big Six":
.
.
.
.
1. Weapon (could be amulets for those who don't use weapons)
2. Armor (could be bracers for those who don't wear armor)
3. Primary Stat Booster
4. Ring of Protection
5. Cloak of Resistance
6. Amulet of Natural Armor (everyone wants one unless they're using the amulet slot for weapon bonuses)