Is this a problem on Tactician? I'm playing on Classic and I don't feel forced to use the every-level-new-items way so much. I also don't use Thievery much, five levels so far without a steal.

It is funny from time to time to look what the vendors have. What makes me sad is that high level armor partly looks stupid, much worse than low level, but ok. I usually change weapons all 2 to 3 levels and armor if something intriguing is available.