So I guess I got sick of everything else and figured; wth, let's fire up old EQ again

I used to be a raiding level 75, but haven't done much since. I leveled up to 80 when SoF came, but haven't been online since, so I'm a bit at a loss with all the new stuff.
For me, EQ always was about content, so I'm not necessarily looking for the most efficient path to the top, but one that will be fairly efficient while also giving me an idea about what's out there while having fun.
So;
- What gear to get?
I'm able to claim some rewards, for some reason that eludes me, in many slots like . It seems to me like they aren't really worth re-auging for, but I may be mistaken? Maybe I need them to replace some of my focus effects.
- Where to XP?
- Which AAs are worth stopping for along the way? Well, Cannibalization obviously, but do I need anything else?

- What quests to do? ... (Who can help me finish BiC?) :p
- What progressions to do?
- Are there any new spell lines/usages that I need to be aware of?
I can solo for xp if I absolutely have to, for gear if it's cool enough and I can solo quests for fun, but I do prefer to be grouped with real flesh and blood players when I can.