Why do people care so much about my gear level in pre-lvl50 dungeons?

[m3eansean]

Even if you are running pre-50 dungeons that have the base level far exceeding that of your equipment, it will make the run longer and harder to complete if you aren't geared properly.

It would be a lot like showing up to play a round of golf with friends and pulling out some plastic golf clubs from your bag when you tee up. They may work and actually drive the ball down the fairway, but just won't meet the equipment standard that is socially expected in that environment.