Problem is, people associate ilvl with skill (which is why a lot of PFs on my server are crazy high because they "want a win"*). So, because people want to get their run of something, they goose their ilvl to meet that. In most instances you can get away with it, but in others (like the EX modes), you get sniffed out pretty fast.

As far as the spiritbonding thing, I've run CT in crafting gear before AS a challenge. Running that dungeon in ilvl 92 gear gets kinda boring, so if I go in with a bunch of FC mates, and they have no issues with it, why not?

That said, DF is not a "find me a speedrun" service. Busting through dungeons as fast as possible is ehhh to me. But, MMO players I guess.

*Which I'll note these are usually the ones that end up dying in said run.