The reasons there is a shortage of lower level gear in the market wards is because:

1. There is only a small number of new players coming in to the game overall, so the pool of low rank crafters is small.

2. There is almost no incentive for advanced crafters to make low rank gear to keep the marketplace stocked.


My suggestions:

1. There are NPCs in the middle of the market wards that sell low level gear. Check to see what they sell.

2. Make friends and join a new-player-friendly LS with higher level players who like to help.

3. Ask in public /say or /shout. Use words like "Please" and explain that you are a new player who would really appreciate help in obtaining rank-appropriate gear.

I'd bet that there are some friendly crafters on your server who don't care about gil and will gladly help you.

Good luck. ^^