You have this beautiful skill called identify. Use it on everything, and I mean everything. If you find something on the ground, pick it up, identify it and if it's “junk” or you can’t use it... put it back down (or sacrifice it for the coins). Try not to carry a lot of “junk” on you. I personally have a very bad habit of doing this. The objects may be worth something, but if you’re not using them then it’s still “junk”.

When you are ranking on mobs identify all the equipment they drop. You can make yourself a note, good equipment at this level for warriors is here. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can find pieces to build a complete set for a wide range of classes.

Try to find objects that are light, of high value in coins and you can put into your sack. You then can take these objects to various cities and villages to barter (so you don't have to worry about finding tons of gold). Then you can try out various pieces of equipment that are sold in cities. There's often great regearing and starting out equipment in cities. A single city may not offer a total set of starting out equipment that is good for your class, but at least you will know what’s there. So, buy up what you can and once again identify it. You'll find that in no time at all, you're able to have a vast knowledge of where some great starting out equipment is located.

Over time as you gain in levels, you'll probably be asked to go to areas that are usually called area explore. You'll find that a lot of the best and most shiny equipment comes from said areas. When you go to new places like these or any other place, and someone in your group quickly picks up a piece of gear for themselves... ask if you can identify it. You'll find that most of the time people have no problem at all doing this.

I've been to plenty of area explore type areas and every time I go with a group, it's like a big circle of passing around gear so everyone can identify or lore the objects. Some people who did not practice their lore will want to try them on. You will rarely find that other characters have a problem with this. Yes, they will probably want the gear for themselves in the end, but remember you’ve gained the knowledge.

You mentioned that people hand you gear as gifts, if it is a piece of gear (after you once again identify it) that you would like to have often… ask where it comes from. The chances that the person who gave it to you knows, is high. Then, if you should lose this piece of nice shiny gear, you can tell someone you’d like to go to such and such place for this.

One last thing from your post, even if you can’t find great equipment… try and keep all of your slots covered at all times. I’ve found the most difficult for this can be face wear, but keep all other slots covered.

Good luck!