I am pulling the RNG card as you put it because the entire level system is RNG. There is no way to reach higher levels without RNG that's not how a game should be. Certainly not a level system. Before ttk they had a solid level system. RNG didn't matter as much in reaching the highest level. You played the game you got stronger. Then ttk came out and character level became nothing but a fake number and light level meant everything. But the only way to increase light level was to rely COMPLETELY on RNG. They have however made strides in repairing this broken system by giving you promised rewards that will increase your level but it is still dependant on RNG to get all the proper pieces at the right level to reach max level. A level system should have very little RNG feel to it that's why I'm perposeing this suggestion of a clear cut progression system that allows you to become stronger as you play without loot being the only way to do so. If however you enjoy the endless grind and being forced to spend weeks leveling up a single level simply because RNG didn't give you what you needed that week then more power to you. But for me I think the level system needs reworked and RNG removed from it. Gear should affect attack and defense of the character NOT level

Dude the light level does increase defense and attack, you're asking for the same thing