formal sonnet
The desire to create ever more and more different server clusters is understandable as for a new player, it is not realistically achievable to compete with older players in PvP. This splits the community and introduces wipes through the backdoor, as older clusters die out due to the lack of new players.
Instead of doctoring around on the symptoms with adverse effects on all players, let's address the root causes. A new player starting out needs to be able to be competitive in PvP within a short timeframe. This in part goes against the current long and grindy progression curve.
I suggest to limit the effect of weapon and armor proficiencies to PvE only, while in PvP and combat against player controlled NPCs, they apply as if they were 900 for every player. The Physique proficiency and character statistic can be turned into a reduction of incoming damage instead of an HP increase for this purpose.
When starting fresh in an existing world gives you the opportunity to take part in the game, you will do it. It's a necessity for a persistent long-term game world.
vagrant fox