see eve we only have that problem if someone comes along to a major trading system and dumps a freighterload of zyd or something equally stupid (rare mineral... but lots of it = plummeting prices)

Theres not really an issue with the economy in wow.  Theyve made it so easy to get items that you just go get what you need.

All of the items you would actually wear on your equipment come from inside dungeons and cant be sold.  They bind to you when you pick them up off the boss.  So in that respect the only way to equip yourself is to go raid/fight other people in battlegrounds.

With the expansion and lvl 70 coming you will be on same footing as everyone else if you level up to 60 now.