I think you've missed my point. I give you an example for a better understanding: You are level 32. If you melee a lvl32, you need 2 hits to down him. Now put on lvl30 gear and melee the same 32 guy. You'll need three hits. It has nothing to do with his gear since it hasn't changed a bit. It's your melee power that's lowered because you are at a lower level. I don't know what you mean exactly, since the mechanics aren't officially described by any means as far as I know.