It really depends on what your goal is with a custom server. custom servers overall are LOTS of work. you can't really imagine till you have your own. :P
You just want to share your vision of eq with outhers? you want to create a popular server? you want to be unique? you want something for a long term or just for some quick fame?
if you want a popular custom server with high population, you have to offer easy progression, else you'll be stuck with low population (regardless if you make quality and unique content).
don't get me wrong tho, I refuse to offer easy progression, it takes away the fun
sharing your vision of eq with others and creating something unique and quality is more fun than anything else, so I think I see were you are coming from Secrets. but anyone starting a custom server should be aware that it's not only about quality and original ideas.. sadly.