Are you forced to use the new magic system or is it a choice? As for a "dip in magic in the plains", guess I'm not following your logic at all. You've built up a logic chain in your mind but I'm not clear why your expectations should dictate what happens in the plains or if it's even a reasonable expectation. Why do the plains have to allow more magic gear? Just because the previous biomes offered a bit?

Confusing thought processes.