Raise your item level to 119 by completing a tutorial quest!

[Catmato]

I want to think it isn't about that, but rather about removing the penalty you suffer due to level difference when trying to do content in ilvl117 or lower gear since you get penalized twice as a new or returning player. Once due to the stats on the gear itself and then again due to the extra 2+ lvl difference.

So if they made it so your ilvl would remain 119 regardless of gear once you completed the quests then you could focus exclusively on the stats in the gear itself instead of worrying about losing a few ilevels anytime you macroed a lower level piece of equipment or weapon.

I'm confused. Is there some reason that your actual item level matters aside from trusts?