I think players need to be careful about things given to new characters. I just started another character this weekend and within 5 minutes, someone gave me a Zuthra's Spear. I will admit that it's a nice weapon, but it is not right for a first level character to end up with a weapon like that.
Morning star, broad sword, etc are ok. They are better than what a beginner could get, but they are not great weapons. I have also seen first level characters with items like tiger eye gem, etc which are a bit much. Not immediately useful items, but still beyond what they would hope to get for a long time.
Lets try to be reasonable on how much help is given to new characters.