[Layton was low-leveled, almost to the point of being ridiculous compared to a great many other players. It was quite the shock to find that these... 'levels' had such a large effect on what one could do.

Or maybe it had a lot to due with the fact that Hershel Layton had never encountered the internet before, nevermind a MMORPG]

Well, it is said that patience is a virtue. You might want to keep a better hold of that fishing rod there. One never knows what sort of surprises to expect.