Forget I even mentioned a "launcher", the proper name was "shell script". The shell script you're using to start the game is properly set-up, I was wondering if you had the "patchme" flag missing.
Did you download the modified "d3dx9_30.dll" and placed it in the EQ directory already? You mentioned character models missing, my guess is you're using the un-modified dll.
A quick google search reveals a link for it:
http://mirror.ryansanden.com/EQ_linux/d3dx9_30.dll
source of the link:
http://www.project1999.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=126081
If that doesn't solve it, tell me what instructions you followed to install the game.