What Ouch said is very straight to the point and extreamly true. Many people like to other players who put effort into their char. The other day I can't believe I seen a lvl 13 Thf still using his lvl 1 gear in the dunes. I had to give him a sword b/c he couldnt hit the mobs worth crap.

Now here is an example of something positive of keeping your char in check. The other day I needed help doing the Dragoon dragon fight. A guy came up and Power Lvled that fight and a few other things with me just because I kept my char in check and had good gear.