Can’t see cap level coming in before Easter as it be pointless to do so , Easter is biggest EXP hike of the year if cap was raised before it then you would get half the server 197-198 by end of Easter
I would imagine it’s more appropriate to raise cap level after Easter as then top 20 players would all be around the 195 mark thus making it a good transition before next event which unless we have a Summer Madness or New Skills event is Halloween …
As for upgrading gear there is carrot 🥕 and stick issues still some quests require silly amounts of time to farm , some require access to certain maps unless in a strong guild will take ages to fulfil , questing really needs a overhaul as often by the time you get it done the item is long past your level or surpassed by a normal item of a higher level which you probably reached in the time it took to complete the quest plus often quests gain the item 2-5 levels so you also need to factor the value add it has .
Personally like to see all quests attainable by any player without the need for ridiculous amounts of mats and guild strength , questing should be an enjoyable way to pass the time away not a complete arse bending grind for 3-6 months
For an obsolete item as it often becomes….