Max ally is not required to buy this ornamentation, nor the evolving weapon or emblem. I just cracked into ally -- and I'm not getting "cannot possibly get any better" messages when finishing tasks -- and these items were available. A nice surprise indeed.
Also, have no fear if you leave your aug in your shield when you use the ornamentation. It'll stay intact.
Edited, Feb 24th 2009 10:17pm by EQSubterfuge