Here's a though, just nix the cats & zones - period. Keep BL & AA, .DLL kill the new models like was done with maps and spell sets however, easier said then done I'm sure.
What would be ideal to keep Velious the top tier content and such, though perhaps cherry picking zones like original Grieg's End, Ssra ECT.
On an off note, there was one zone I pretty much lived in on my BL, it was one where you had three faction vying for control. You as the PC would be the facilitator and have to help defend (or was it attack I forget). I did the whole thing multiple times and had a blast.. sided with all three factions (that took work) and it was actually some of the best fun I had in EQ - cause and effect... an impact in / on the game world and watching the NPC faction wars was fun
[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.] I forget the name... Owls where a faction I think...and some goblin things - kind of fuzzy - this was a long time ago... Because of the play time in this zone is why I have such fond memories of my Barb BL.