Melee seems odd on this server...

[Cogwell]

EQ always had a high miss rate.

I think people notice it more simply because at low level, you don't have Double Attack, Dual Wield, etc; so the misses are more conspicuous.

Also, you have less ATK from gear, nor AAs, melee foci that you like had the last time you were playing.

Add to that, at low level you are most likely killing targets that are just around your level, or slightly above - whereas at high level you'll more likely be attacking targets that below your level somewhat (outside of raids) - and level differential plays a role in virtually every calculation in EQ.