i really have to agree with you fyrewalker. it makes no sense to have a lower lvl but newer zone drop better items than older but higher zones. this is the same kind of thing with the epic there are easier to get yet better weapons out there... you have to ask, "what is VI thinking when they do this?" the idea that they can change the loot that comes off mobs is a really good one maybe somebody should tell verant thats a possibility out there
After viewing the different items for different slots I've found that NOTHING of any real value drops out of the mainlands anymore. It's Luclin this Velious that... Even Kunark items are under-par. Verant may want to think about going back to it's roots and making more decent drops in the mainlands for 30+ people. Nobody groups in Velious unless it's a guild, and Luclin (even though my comp is way above recommended stats) still runs like crap.
It seems that Verant are working on it, with Cazic having been upgraded plus all the newbie zone quests (admitadly not uber gear but a change to wanting to twink). Overall though this is true, mainly to encourage people to buy the new expanisons. If verant brought out a new expansion and said sorry guys, the loot in the old world is still ten times better, we just thought this new zone looked good.