The alternative approach you suggest is what I’ve been looking at as far as recommendation goes. Strive to move the net stat mods to zero. One thing I would add to the consideration is to see true stat distribution and maybe adjust the targets based on that number. Since H1 gotchis are by glitch higher stats, then we may want to strive more towards a slightly positive net metric.
We certainly have to proceed with caution. Too much dilution and there’s no value appreciation. Too little and there’s no dynamic flow in the game.
One suggestion I’ve proposed is to introduce a way to power up older items over time, giving them an advantage to newer items (but not in an unfair way where they’re just OP). see Introduce XP for Wearables