While I like the artistry in general, I agree that we just look too awesome at start and the gear is too neat. Very neat and clean and gorgeous stuff should be saved for later in the game. Getting that "gleaming" full plate that stands out and never gets dirty would then be very attractive. I think this could be a positive gold sink as well, seeing as how magical (buyable) loot should be kept at a minimum. Buying some new gorgeous armor in Baldurs Gate just because it looks good seems like something a newly rich adventurer would do.
