Well, here's the situation: I've been "playing" on and off (playing a little, then taking several months off) since 2005 or so. I have several toons, but the one I am most interested in at the moment is a 109 fr00b agent (along with a 100 froob enf, who has legchoppers/1 chirop, so he's fun too). I have about 4 hours of play-time weekly. I really enjoy AO, but it just doesn't have a whole lot of time to itself. So, I'm naturally not ub0r. But, I still want to outfit myself decently and level slowly as I get the chance.
I have a Assassin's Caterwaul, although a Yata is more effective for PvM I only have a ql164 and the Caterwaul > ql164 Yata. I'm planning on getting a Veil of the Revoked (still in exarch robe currently!), no question as to which backpiece an agent should be using at this level (although the Reanimated Ranger cloak is tempting, but would require more trouble to get my hands on one and slightly harder to equip). I have a VE, only 8% crit but can't spend too much atm.
As for other armor, what should I be using? I'm thinking shapeshifters vest and apocalypse/OT steel-ribbed (if anyone sells them anymore). Miy's ranged is another option, but less old-school and awesome, and different mods. Shoulders? HUDs? Needing help on these. Also, can't go with anything too expensive because I've got a budget ^_^
Suggestions?
Also, is it at all viable to do any FP at this level? I can get good nano init with a nano formula compiler (fr00b viral compiler) but it still won't counteract the effects of FP/Assume/whatever. MP could be good, because you can cast a heal pet and you have no in-fight casting, so the nano-init wouldn't kill (just a rebuffing annoyance!). Still, if there is any practical way, I'd love to FP doc or something that gives more interest to the game-play so it's not just "H-O" and sit back to shoot.
Other gameplay tips: should I aim for evades and full def? Or HP/AR and be able to go more offensive for when I'm in FP and need nano init?
Any help would be great!