Are the numbers too high?

[Mychael]

In my original post, I mentioned that just because you aren't wearing gear it doesn't mean your character has forgotten combat or suddenly lost levels. It makes sense that a weapon, being an instrument to enhance your power, could greatly effect your end results, but I don't see why gear should be as much. (Don't get me wrong, I still think it should be effective, but balanced as it somewhat seems to be now.)

You don't "forget how to battle," however, your hands would blister beyond use if you attacked with a sword/axe/spear days on end without gloves; using a bow, again, wthout gloves, isn't the best idea. Also, some gloves improve your grip on the weapon, further improving your accuracy and attack power. Using a heavier weapon, some sort of strap around your wrist would help transfer the weight from your hand itself to the wrist, allowing you to lift greater loads. Without shoes, you would be momentarily pained and unfocused by every rock, twig, bone chip, etc. that happens to be lying around. Belts or certain body garments would help relieve pressure on the back.

It's not all that unrealistic. However, you're right that the increases should be 10~40%, rather than 50%+.

The biggest point I agree with in this thread is that gear should have more of an impact on defense.