The game is already easy enough as is, you won't have any trouble because of that.
"It is quite ridiculous that players that advanced the game more quickly ended up with better versions of the same gear because they got it before the patch landed."
This is a non argument, the game will continue to be balanced for obvious reasons, besides, if you want to cheat an extra socket on all of your items, do it, no one will judge you. But that is absolutely no reason to stop patching and balancing the game.
Also, keep in mind that this is not a competitive game. There is no advantage for the player who had a less balanced version to play, if anything they had less fun with it.
As for mods, there are plenty on the workshop that fill that criteria. Crafting Overhaul specifically should actually create a much better version than what you're expecting, but you'll have to get to know crafting.
Last edited by NeoAnubis; 15/10/17 04:06 PM.