First let me preface with the fact that I have over 25 years of programming experience with very complex system behind me.
It has become evident that the programmers have lost control of the game system. To their credit it is a HUGELY complex system, but it has become clear that due to all the modifications and fixes that the system has lost continuity and is no longer coherent.
There are so many interdependencies that it has become impossible to manage them in a logical manner. What you are attempting to do is KLUDGE the system with an overall modification to the entire system to fix a wide range of problems that you have failed to address individually.
This is a common fix for computer systems, but the point I really want to make is that it is a very difficult thing to do with something as subjective as a gaming system.
Your attempt to balance the system by limiting the OE will have a HUGE impact in very unexpected ways. The math on this is very clear.
I know that you are attempting to fix the sytem, but in the end you may be placing the straw that breaks the camels back, if the system becomes unstable (unplayable) enough, it will cease to be functional for your customers.
I would urge you to consider a LONG run on the Test server. You have the potential create a great many more problems that you are attempting to solve. There are countless unresolved bugs that will impact your prospective change in an ever widening spiral of problems.
REMEMBER FUNCOM, we play because it is fun, If you take the FUN out of it all you have left is the COM.