I like the idea of unique branding a rare Item. Or any item that goes beyond certain levels in a stat or has several stats that go to a certain level.
Just an Idea, but the checks for such things could be done on Server down. Would save strain on in-game time. Granted, servers would have to go down longer, though. Then, have it so that if something is fishy, the machine peg it for further research. May not be able to to get to all of the pegs, but then, You only have to catch the cheaters once. Docu the warning, like they did on me once. Repeaters are out. Then hold special events to contest off the things are are legit from the peeps that they bust. So everyone sees that they are nailing cheaters. Have a party of a sort. Could be the special event for the week or month. Repo contest
Bet you would be able to get voluteers to set that up.
As for gold... Pull off random checks on accounts.. Unless you spent all day, most peeps would not be able to nail massive amounts of GP... If someone goes from a certain amount of cash to several Mil more in one day... Peg him.. He better have a good reason, like a buy or something. If it is legit you can give names and the such. Like I said.. Random, and if someone is cheating, you only have to catch him once. Put the *&*&^%*& on probabltion. Not neccesarily saying bann them right off, but cheaters are like crooks, they will do it again. There are alot of easy ways to catch cheaters.. Eliminate them. After time, it will stop.