Ok.

The transform spell would only apply to limited magical items. And it's not 'everyone gets barrier' at all because the output of the transform can range from 5% dam reduction all the way up to 65% or so.

The spell makes damage reduction accessible to all mages. No more secret knowledge to get some basic dam redux. You can only carry enough limited magical items based on your inventory level or what you happen to be wearing. Farming is minimized by this (also by scaling of redux from item level, spell %, hours, and any other little treats you guys throw in).

Exploration is still important because you guys can put little treats on mobs in different areas. Throw some in locked chests, in hidden containers, mage-y mobs, etc.

High-end transformable items are again competetive, a la Balrahd's idea. You use it, it's gone, someone can go and reclaim it.

If you wanted to, items might have a diminishing ability in that they have 3 - 5 charges available. The first is the best, each transform from an item there after reduces the dam redux. That way they're reusable to a small extent.

Usable gear circulates. People want to loot the magical items from corpses, people want to gather them for themselves, they have a value beyond +1 int and 40 mana, and so on.

If you're in a pinch, you can take an item you're currently wearing and transform it to get a dam redux boost. But hey, you lose that piece of gear on your eq.



So how is this not a good idea? I really don't understand how it's not far and above better in every way than any other idea, including the current system.