I have to agree with Kin on one thing: good armor does not mean veteran player. I have purposely made my current character to help out lowbies/newbies. I was sick of all darkies being unwilling to help inexperienced players because of RP restrictions (whether imagined or real). So every person that I mentor, I show them where to get good equipment, coin, weapons, vials, scrolls, staves, pets and how to level.
It is a little disgruntling for me to think that by doing this I have condemned a few to being killed for their equipment/coin.
However I don't believe that being a lowbie should protect you from ALL adversity and challenges. (That would be pretty damn boring anyway).
Either way, I think everyone should remember that there is another person on the end of that character. I think it's important to be considerate to others as much as possible and to RP for the enjoyment of RP and not just to give you an excuse to attack Character X.