As far as luxuries, you could look at it this way: many of these guys (may) have served in the armies of Seleukus or Ptolemy etc, and been well paid. In the case of Ptolemy especially, they could very well have been paid the money to afford or even straight-up given very nice equipment. How do you think the first couple of Ptolemy's (nearly) blew the bank? I mean, I haven't seen the concepts you guys are throwing around, but a well-accoutred (though not gaudy) soldier seems pretty reasonable.

And what are you thinking for the shields? A hoplon I hope, but what would you put on it?
And just what did you mean by "a helm fit for a king"?
Thanks!