For the most part P99 does a great job of emulating the classic environment (better than any other project out there) aside from a few things mentioned that it seems the Devs are focused on resolving (i.e. classic channeling and spell resists that make things like charm and pacify less guaranteed).
To me a lot of the "imbalance" referenced here is a function of a time locked progression server. Having everyone run around in full velious gear at lvl 5 is undoubtedly a massive impact on the feeling of ease as one progresses through the world. Even the folks trying to do self found are massively boosted by basically being gifted all loot in any group they join as everyone else has an abundance of gear/plat.
In true classic live as better loot became available there wasn't enough time to create such a surplus that it trickled down to brand new players (twinking was always a thing but it was like a fungi, weapon, and haste item not a full suit of skyshrine armor or better). Players were focused on exploring new expansions and learning new mobs, mechanics, and furthering their primary character.
I joined P99 green after it was already in velious so I didn't get a chance to experience a fresh server yet but I would imagine the sentiment on day 1 of green wasn't that this was some unclassic detuned server that was way too easy. I'm sure when everyone is running around with rusty weapons and the definition of twinking is banded armor that the difficulty level would align with what we recall of our classic experience. Just more evidence that its time for a fresh server.
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