I know you are busy sir, but since I'm catering more to the survival type of game play, I would highly suggest creating 3 Grade Pad Locks into the game. Also Lock picks 3 grades...
1st Level Pad Lock and Lock Pick made from Chopper Plates + Rods
2nd level Pad lock and Lock pick made from Silver Plates + Rods
3rd level Pad lock and lock pick made from Gold Plates + Rods
Basically you can use the locks to lock your front Door/Gates from other people, even on chest.
So with lock picks, you cannot pick a Gold level 3 lock with a level 1 or 2, won't work, But you can pick a level 1,2, and 3 locks with a Level 3 Gold lock pick.
Also I know Mithril is not used for really anything right now, how about make that a Level 4 hard to open lock pad, and lock pick. This would work wonders on my PvP server.