Consider Scandinavia. Is there even one piece of equipment there that is lower in value than Egypt's offerings?
Certainly not. Every item is useful and all that limits a player is having enough coin and other materials to buy them.
The same approach needs to be used for the higher regions. Players who participate in community events, special events, and who buy equipment are being punished for doing so -- because our camps cannot make use of sub-par equipment precisely because we devoted time & money to playing the WHOLE game and created better camps as a result.
Focus on those who get involved in the whole game. We deserve to be treated with respect.