Not ripped off, just weren't paying attention.
If the piece you upgraded had max light of 36, you just purchased a useless upgrade. Upgrades are for pre-dlc items, which only have a max light of 30.
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Then why ask if you wanna upgrade a piece of armor in the first place
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Some people have pre dlc exotics still. I do think it's odd how they give you the chance to upgrade post dlc exotics/stuff that has 36 light or exotics that have 331 damage. Ultimately though, since I doubt they'll change anything, one just has to be extra careful/pay attention.