I may be done.

[Jeeqbit]

does anybody know if your own gear influences the npcs stats when you play as them?

I really do not believe so. That's the whole reason it's difficult. Because if you were playing as yourself you'd be able to try different jobs until one has a cheese strat (ie. Paladin, Clemency and Hallowed Ground).

OMG!!! I FINALLY DID IT!!!!

And just in case anyone else has this problem, I figured out what it was. During the basic melee, he occasionally raises his hand and takes a chunk of your life. Not sure why I didn't see it before. Avoid that!

I'm glad you got it!