i think that as LauQ said customs armor/weapon or whatever custom a server has,if is made with BRAIN(Maxtor and some other guys here got that) it wont unbalance the server..why i like customs?because i think is one of the most difference between retail and private servers and because most times are nicer than normal armors/weapons..at least u can make custom armors,weapons but that affect only pvp..what about that?anyway my kind of server would be
Xp:1k+ Adena:300 or + till 10kxD(depends on how much adenas are needed on server,because most times there is a custom currency)
Custom Zones:3 farming areas(1 safe where u can hunt solo,1 safe where u must hunt with 2,3 people but drops are bigger and 1 non safe where u can hunt solo but drops are bigger:D)
Custom items:some cool fashion items who gives just Speed(that will not make unbalance),1 set of armor with higher stats than s,s8',s84 armors but not +50%p atk etc and 1 set of weapons with dual SA(1 good like focus and 1 like to "support" for example hold,stun)..not the usually paint weapons plz but good ones and a tatto fighter/mage if needed.
Enchanter npc for +30/40 or 20..i don't really care about enchant max/safe but not 60% ench rate.
Custom rbs or normal rbs with edited drops and a different event automated each hour^^
what u think?