So... we were running around in full ancient plate with 2hitters yesterday and it was sort of fun. T3 levels were dangerous again, we were killed a lot and even had to use energy to res a few times. And actually, when you think about it like that, it even makes sense that the "end boss" gives you items that allow you to raise the difficulty of the game, doesn't it? The only thing that's missing is a good excuse to be wearing that armor & shield. That among other things is, why I suggest the introduction of "luck":

Revamped Ancient Plate [stuff (yes, the shield too now!)]:
Movement Speed Decreased: Low
Attack Speed Decreased: Low
Bomb Damage Penalty: Low
Gun Damage Penalty: Low
Sword Damage Bonus: Low
Luck: Low
(or something like that)

Luck:
Slightly increases the chances of [all drops, maybe also rare mob spawns etc, tune the drop table a tiny bit towards rarer stuff] for the whole group. Up to 12 times "low luck" can stack ;)
(or something like that)

( In case you didn't notice: This is supposed to make ancient plate a "difficulty + reward increasing swordie armor". And it leaves room for similar gunner/bomber versions from future T3 bosses. )