Well it comes off as very pretentious when you show no information to back up your claim. I understand how the leveling works, however in my tests in the vault, wearing my 31 gave me no increase in defense over my vault gear. Likewise, I have old and new versions of weapons that did not appear do any difference in damage. I'd also not give up the perks as well. Please don't be a pretentious asshole, with the phrase "wish people did research" when you present no research yourself. Mmmmk?