When monsters take half or so more hits to kill, then I look to upgrading gear. Have not been religious about hitting it every two levels. Been able to survive easily with gear that's >10 levels low.
I check the specs of the gear I loot. SOmetimes I go in with lower lvl gear but I have a nice boost on it. you can play how you want. It also depends on the type of char. A tank would need more focus on his armor then a healer like myself.
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Ebonheart Pact guild, EU server.
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