I think what the OP wants is more out of certain gear. For example in 1.0 gear had meaning like this (pic stolen from another thread):


See that "Increases Jump Damage".

I think the game would be more interesting with gear that rather than giving flat stats gave bonuses to effects. Even weapons with "chance on hit to paralyze/posion/slow", armor with "Increases healing potency" or "increased dot duration" would be nice.