What affect does wrong level gear have?

[RabidSquirrel]

So, I'd like to make a note here... I've used a pair of bronze sollerets (optimal rank of 27), for ranks 1-20 of gladiator, and ranks 1-10 of marauder. I've compared it with several other feet equipment, and it has given the most defense, magic defense, and resilience verses anything else I've tried. On top of that, it has yet to get below 80% durability throughout all those ranks.

Anyone have a good explanation for this? I've compared stat differences of main hand equipment at different ranks, and those differences are like night and day. For example, a tin alembic (rank 17) gave the exact same stat increases as a brass alembic (rank 12) as an alchemist of rank 16.

EDIT: I forgot to take into account my play for today. So that's 1-21 ranks of gladiator, and the durability is down to 77%.