So I haven't found exactly what I am looking for but have found that some people have learned information about the Appraisal abilities that I would like to know. How is the actual increase in collectability determined.

The tool tip say it increases by Perception X number based on which ability. On that I have to call BS as when I was lv 50 and started this stuff I had a 400 something perception but meticulous appraisal only gave 105 collectability. Roughly my perception x.25 not the X1.0 the tool tip says. I have also found by looking at guides that the abilities have caps that aren't listed. The aforementioned meticulous appraisal tops out at 115 again roughly a quarter or less of what the tool tip says, given a lv 50 DoL with less than 400 Perception is unlikely. This is leading me to go at the acquiring of new gear with a somewhat blind approach as I know more is better but not how much is to much due to ability caps. Any help as to the formula so I can make informed desisions would be a great help.