I only started reading the Discworld series a few years ago. I was up late at night, trying to think of things to buy for my new Kindle, and faced with the problem I always have when shopping for entertainment: What in the hell am I supposed to buy? All ideas tend to run from me in that situation, which explains some of my past purchases made completely out of desperation.
But anyway
I love this book, but I agree with you. The later ones are best (and Monstrous Regiment is my favorite).
There are a few themes in Equal Rites that show up again in other books.
The wizard vs witch approach, headology (which I suppose can’t be avoided in any book where Granny Weatherwax appears), borrowing (again a Weatherwax thing)…but it’s interesting to see them start here and then be expanded in other titles.
And yeah, Monstrous Regiment is a favorite of mine too!!