Would it be possible to remove some impediments to shifters succesfully participating in lowbie to mid rank PK? The barriers I refer to is the ability to shift in combat and having controls.

The shapeshift spell/skill split is a relic from a system long gone. I don't see any good reason to not just remove the spell and give players the skill at level 14. I would also like to see the controls dropped to 2 levels after you get the spell so that lowbie shifters can actually try and use more than one form in the same fight without leaving themselves horribly exposed.

so move

shapeshift skill to 14
control levitation to 16
control speed to 20
control skin to 22
control phase to 26


I mean the worst thing that could happen is you get a handful of people who choose to play their shifters in the lower ranks rather then just power to final forms.