Absolutely be proactive and start your own groups, this is probably your best bet as a ranger. You can definitely tank at early levels, and ranger gear is cheap because rangers are in such low demand.
As for classes that are in higher demand, pretty much any of them. For EXP groups, here is the run-down:
Tanks: Warriors don't have an EXP penalty, but they're awful at aggro generation, so people are more willing to go with SKs and paladins. At any rate, tanks are always in high demand.
Healers: Everyone loves a cleric. Shamans are also well-loved for buffs and slows, though they start out a little weak. Druids, not in as high demand, but snare is incredibly useful.
DPS: Rogues and monks rule the DPS charts hands-down. Rogues have the added bonus of a small EXP bonus versus the monk EXP penalty (especially high for iksar monks). On the other hand, monks are better soloers. You can do good DPS even with medicore gear. Mages also pack solid DPS and are excellent soloers.
Other classes: Bards are incredibly useful despite their EXP penalty. Enchanters are incredibly useful and always in huge demand, and they have no EXP penalty. Both of those classes are excellent soloers as well, and are not terribly gear dependent. Wizards are not so useful. Necros are more useful/desired than wizards in groups, but more so in small groups or duos.
I'd say, if you want to play a ranger, give it a shot. Don't be too worried about not having leet gear. Give it an honest effort and be proactive, and farm up some plat in your free time. But if you're finding it too much of a pain, feel free to roll another class.
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