My priest took off his heirloom equipment because the drops from dungeons were better.

I have several toons on various other servers solely for the experience of starting new without even the temptation to send aid. In fact I try to avoid aiding characters below 60 where I can (heirlooms are actually because my leveling partner got some too; now I dungeon to catch up the differences for not wearing them).

It is easier for me mostly because of game experience. I know what I'm doing, how things work, and that makes me better. It's not the heirloom equipment; they just fill in lulls in getting gear.

Still, the best piece of advice I can give any newb who feels we talk about having massive gold all the time is this: Get skinning plus another gathering profession. It doesn't matter what you eventually want for crafting profession. Want to Blacksmith? At level 5 get skinning and mining. Sell the leather, fill your bank then sell the excess ore. Do this at level 5. By 20 you will have enough gold, even by underselling the competition just to move it, to keep you going. You don't have to be fancy, you won't magically have millions but life is good. Even the worst economy I've ever seen allowed me to live comfortably, have plenty of drink (cooking is a good idea too), and keep going by doing this. Powerleveling professions at 80 is purely for those who already have the gold and the free time. That's not the way for the newb or even intermediate or casual player.