Shiny Prizes

[Mavfin]

All in all, I don't like the AH - it is part of the reason the quality of drops are outrageously low - so the player feels compelled to use it.

The only reason that quality drops seem like they are so low is because people are jump-starting their progression curve by using the AH in the first place.

Play a character LotL style, no twinking, no AH, and I'll guarantee that drop rates won't seem low.

Exactly this. You'll find upgrades at a nice pace if you do this. And you'll find the blacksmith sometimes useful as you level up. Is he as efficient as the AH? Would Gheed have been more efficient than the AH? No. But it's a choice you can make.

If you *do* use the AH, get bargain stuff, 'just good enough' to get you over the hump if you get stuck. If you buy great stuff on the AH, don't whine that you don't get upgrades all over the place.