You don't need shoes, going barefoot is much more healthy. My main does it all the time.
You're right, you find a bit less stuff in my opinion, but it's ok, at least on Classic.
I don't like the auto-leveling of the companions, as said. Why did they change it? Leads to a big waste of points. I hope the mysterious respecc possibility after Act 1 is in the game.
There is a hefty change in visuals partly. Elves lost the plant-cloth appearance except for the low stats clothing. Don't like it but I bet many do.
Prices you have to see in relation. I got the feeling that you also get a lot more money from selling stuff. By and large a bit increase in costs is ok. In the EA you was equipped too well after about level 4.
The change to attributes and combat abilities, especially Warfare and Aerotheurge, I like. Makes it easier to organize and armor more precious. And it auto-balances Polymorph.
The new Ranger skills seem strange to me. I have to get used to.
