With the current influx of new players, you could take a look at itemization
in this game. Some types of eq are simply unobtainable at low levels. For
instance, a lowlevel sprset is possible to gather with a rather lowpower team,
ie purple gloves, dirty leggings etc. Some statitems are also obtainable, ie
green gloves, dragon amulets etc.

One thing lacking is tank equipment. You have your merchantmade o-yoroi,
alchemistmade pr rings, and thats it. Where are the +1-2 pr items which might
be nice for lowbies? str/dex/avoids might be useful, but often the items are
so heavy that the items hinder more than they help. There are some dodge &
parry items ( spider gms) but they might not be too exciting for the serious
lowbie defenders.

I doubt that several new 1-2-3 pr items would be very unbalancing in the game,
the worstcase scenario is that lowerlevel people would be able to do things in
eq they obtian themselves. Specially if you look at what items there are, ie
if lowpr amulet, belt, gloves and boots would be added, they wouldn't affect
highbie power at all. They could be made to require a quest or be of a weak
material to make sure that highbies wont rape them for selling, sacworth tuned
down to make sure they won't be raped for sacitems etc.