[/quote]Hahaha, ok got me there. I usually have my Bard or SK loot, so I've never paid attention to it. :P[/quote]

Thats exactly how I do it, my bard loots all chests ( because she disarms them ) and my sk loots all trash. Only time any of my other toons loot is when its their turn to loot an item that gives AA.

OT though, gear only makes you stronger. I used a set of MC gear at 42 on my SK and it lasted all the way to 60. At 61 I tried to kill an epic mob and got owned. At 62 i put on my new set of MC gear(sk ) and killed two epic mobs soon after. So you don't "need" to be all upgraded to level and run heroic instances, but upgrades do help make it easier. I have only " intentionally" upgraded my sk when i can. If my tank can take the beating, my team lives longer 8) All my other toons gear is either dropped loot or gifts from guildies!