ML 20 gear and below. A hypothetical discussion.

[slarden]

It will slow things down and that is about it. You might die more because you have less hp.

Once you've mastered the content you've mastered the content. Taking away 40% of your spellpower means slower dps and a few more deaths - that is all.

[Pehtis]

What I'm reading is although it will be a tad more difficult and perhaps less solo friendly, epic quests could actually be ............... EPIC. Interesting to note there remains plenty of gear at the <ML 20 range that remain useful (just not optimal). Casters appear to be likely to have a tougher time of it on some content but would they really struggle on the Epic Hard stuff or even Epic Normal? Would first lifers stand a chance?

[Cathimon]

Antique Greataxe and Knights' set did the job for my EE sagas. Only had some issues with what goes up and in the belly of the beast, pretty much slaughtered the rest. Grouped for half, soloed the other half.

[slarden]

What I'm reading is although it will be a tad more difficult and perhaps less solo friendly, epic quests could actually be ............... EPIC. Interesting to note there remains plenty of gear at the <ML 20 range that remain useful (just not optimal). Casters appear to be likely to have a tougher time of it on some content but would they really struggle on the Epic Hard stuff or even Epic Normal? Would first lifers stand a chance?

Nope

It would be slower not more difficult. It would be no different than bloating the hp of all enemies and making them hit 10% harder. Content mastery isn't negated by downgrading equipment.