I think the thing that bothers me most about the idea that this is a problem is essentially the issue of levelled loot, which was pretty much taken to its conclusion with Oblivion: as much as I loved Oblivion, it didn't take long before I needed to install an overhaul to make it worth playing, which did pretty much this: it gave you a chance of getting awesome items at a low level (as well as a lot of absolute tat at a high level).
The vendor in question isn't really all that easy to get to and there's already a built-in penalty in doing so in that all the magisters become hostile when you get to that point (or at least they did in my game when I tested it just now). It's always possible to exploit a game's advantages once you know they're there, but to attempt to then compensate for them being there is I think a huge mistake: there's too much of a risk of making the game either too bland or too awkward.
Ye I agree with this. While there is no doubt that Sundering Cleaver turns every 2hander in a powerhouse, it should also be considered that A) you need gold, and you need to take risks in order to get the gold - i.e. "play smart" and B) it's only available past a certain point.
Is the axe powerful? Heck yes, it is. It is nothing short of godly. Should it be removed?
I don't really think it's needed. If, as some others have said, you manage to get to that weapon at level 2 well, kudos to you and enjoy being at the driver's seat of the ra*e train, it won't make any stops because it has no brakes. If nothing else, acquiring such an item so early shows that you've played smartly, so you've deserved it, that's what I like in a multiple-path open world like D:OS.
If, instead, you get to Zaleskar after having evaded from the prison the old fashioned way, it's still your reward for having gotten that far. Besides, it's not that you won't need a good weapon, especially considering the nasty fights that will await you in the marshes (yes, I'm looking at you Voidwoken Voidspawn aka Blue Guy!).
Then have him sell a Legendary for all weapon types that are randomly chosen when you first meet him. The lack of weapon diversity coupled with how strong Warfare and Rage are right now make having The Sunderer something not even worth considering. You just BUY IT.
This is a very good argument. Only legendary weapons I've found so far are either 2 handers (Axes and Claymores) and a staff with electricity, which is quite dangerous to your team.
