Yes, a PTS should allow people to test everything. I do think the character copy sessions could be limited to just what equipment you have (as that is a more valid test of the patch with regards to current characters) but any Template session should have access to most in game gear.

Of course I think you can load a Template in the Character Copy session (I have never tried myself, but I think you can roll from a template) and then transfer the stuff over trough the bank. But it would be easier for them to implement this by limiting it to the template characters. The mechanic would work in that you are put into a room that you choose the gear, then you are put out in the world. This way as little as possible is changed about the game.