[TheGeek]

From my understanding, your equipment goes into your powerlevel as well. We've all (me included) got into the habit of wearing the best possible items allowed by requirements. Weapons and armor get more effective as you increase your stats above the requirement. Yes, typically you see a small boost in defense/damage for upgrading your items, but in my opinion, not as much as if you would hold onto them for a few stat points to put you into that 'sweet spot' well above their required stats.

Basically what I'm saying is, as an example, a lvl 30 player wearing equipment from a lvl 50 area is probably throwing his power rating way up and not reaping the damage/defense he would from lower equipment, thereby pidgeon holeing yourself into a smaller group of people that you can hit for gang points.

IMO, the changes are a welcome addition and with a bit of time to figure out and master, they'll be way better than the old pillow fights...