Not sure if potions are too expensive per se. I mean, considering the very low CD, you'll be able to spam them - which needs some kind of counter. Plus, it's a very good sink.
It also requires you to party with priests and all that jazz.

We are also not going to turn this into a f2p or no p2w game at all, but making it less so would be good for starters. With current system, you really benefit from partying. If it's not for faster killing, it's to stay alive to say the least and, for the first time in years, there is enough population to actually form those parties.

Item stats are interesting indeed, and make it feel more progressive, diverse and dedicated. At the moment, i benefit from the extra heal % xD
Am I the only one picking up those crones, tho??