How to balance low level? Easy as ABC.

• Ancestry, Background, and Class
• Each grants abilities and at least one item at level 1

In 8.2:

• Ancestry granted 3 abilities at level 0 and more on the 3/7/11/15/19 track. No items
• Background didn't exist
• Some classes have bonus feats at level 1, but it's hit or miss

In 8.3:

• Each one should grant one ability and one item, plus a floating ability of your choice
• Each one should also grant an aspiration
• Ancestry abilities are unchanged, items are...tbd
• Background is similar to Ancestry
• Class should grant a level's worth of normal abilities as its level 1 bonus, as opposed to older ideas like cantrips or martial weapon proficiency
  • Fighters get a fine weapon or armor
  • Casters get an implement