I have been kicking around server ideas for a few months now...
One idea I had is: Giants Vs. Dragons, this story never really concluded. Once you land in EQ at level 1 with zero experience, you find yourself by a Priest of Discord. You have a choice, Ally with Giants, or Ally with Dragons.
--( If Giants, then teleport to Kael Drakkal )
--( If Dragons, then teleport to Sky Shrine )
The old armor quests to be revamped, but the flavor of the quests kept. Good bit of faction you need to earn for quest turn-ins right? Kill critters for very small faction "hits", or kill players and / or mobs in contested "hot spots" for considerably higher factions hits, and the mobs in those contested spots can drop appropriate quest pieces at an increased rate.
Another idea I had is deity related to class type and progression...
You have some cool ideas kicking around here. Now if I can just find a bit more time.