I, too, dislike the cycle of throwing out the old and bringing in the new every couple of levels. What can I say? I get attached to stuff and, when finding new gear becomes a requirement, I feel less excitement and more, I don't know, relief I guess. "Phew. Finally got New Magic Sword 2.0. I'll use it in the next dungeon and chuck it when I find 3.0." Gear starts to feel impersonal and boring.