Just wanted to say thanks. I have been given free range to draw up a new character since my last one was murdered by overt DM-error.
I loved the idea of a Dragon Disciple but I could never make one that was playable. But now I have a character that will probably need to be heavily scrutinized...
I just give my players starting gold (the average starting gold as stated in the DMG or PHB) and let them thumb through the DMG and get whatever they can afford.
The only limit is they can't buy something that's worth more than half of what they started with.
From then on, I'm pretty careful...
From what I can tell people who 'just play' really don't have enough interest in the mechanics of the game to go seeking out information and ideas on the internet. Pretty much all the D20 forums are full of GMs. :D
Whenever I run a game I deny the DEX bonus to reflex save if they are simply grappling. If they are pinned I lower their evasion level (if any) by one since I consider that person pretty much helpless for the pinned round. (ie. improved evasion -> evasion)
I've always played changing your weapon from 1H to 2H as a free-action. If the character has something else in his other hand though he will have to sheath it or put it away. When the character has something in his off-hand already I call it a move action. If the character has Quick Draw then...