I just want to reinforce that there's probably nothing here to "fix". It sounds as if the system is working as designed. The type of "power-leveling" that you were doing is simply not how the game mechanics function. Everything in the game, pretty much, seems to be designed around a steady level progression throughout the course of the main storyline. Items and gear are meant to be incrementally leveled up as the player progresses through the main campaign and associated side-quests, gigs, etc.
You made it sounds like it is wrong to level up early in the game, but I do understand where you're coming from. I understand there is probably nothing here to "fix". But what I had learned that there's a consequence when it comes to leveling up early in the game where it shouldn't be for these special items that has "The item will be upgraded to Epic after 5 and to Legendary after 12 upgrades. Upgrade count: 0" (I definitely loved that idea, but there is a problem.) So, my question is when/where the safe zone to level up your character to max (50) in the game? All I did I decided to level up my character early in the game naturally. But, believe me,
they still can kill me even though I'm at max character level whatever I'm doing in the game.
I don't know if they ever fix this or not. For the players who doesn't want to make same mistake I did, make sure you take these special items out of V's stash and that will stop these special items level up themselves in V's stash as you level up in the game. Then you can do whatever you want with them afterwards. Also, to be safe for future when it comes to receiving more items like these, have your character level up to 25ish (have room for these special items to be upgraded to Epic/Legendary), and then you better start doing main/side missions to see if there are any more special item like these out there. I haven't gone further in game yet.
Also, V's New Jackets from Viktor are not registered to wardrobe automatically until you take them out of V's stash. GOG's goodies automatically added to wardrobe, yes (without taking them out of V's Stash). This is not a big deal but, people like me from community like to make games to perfection.
It's not a matter of doing it "right" or "wrong" or anything -- it's simply a matter of using the tools provided in a way that was not intended. Sort of like deciding to use the handle of a screwdriver to hammer a nail. Technically, you can get the nail in...but results may not be what you were expecting. That's not what the handle of a screwdriver was designed for.
*snickering, yes, it makes sense.
You got to use what you have at your disposal. it made me think about when you can't "afford" to get the job done.
I only say this because I don't foresee the item progression and crafting system being completely re-worked from the ground up, which is likley what it would take in order to "fix" your situation. It's the same thing as players that may want to travel off the grid to explore locations that were not supposed to be readily accessible...or players that want to try to skip quest sections in order to speedrun the game. While these things may technically work, that's not necessarily how the game was designed. Wonkiness may ensue.
Yeah, I understand that. Best I can say is that make sure this doesn't happen again in the future. By the way, my opinion, I found out that i can't fully maxed out all attributes...and I find that insulting because I can't fully experience all its attribute's abilities. Reason why i said this is because our life is short and I'm sure creators of this game want us/gaming community fully to enjoy this game at full disposal. However, that is not happening. I'm happy there is reset perks... what about resetting attribute points (I understand there is skill progression rewards involved, there will be a lot of disabling)?!
Thank you
LuckyCat