Random loot is a big issue for a game without respawns, and as I noted earlier, having to sulk away and find an upgrade off a merchant, or going through the tedious process of crafting equipment for every level kind of kills the sense of adventure and accomplishment from either fighting a tough boss, or solving the puzzles of a tomb.
Well I'm no great fan of random loot, but I think you're overstating the negative effects here.
For example if you find a really great Finesse item but you're a strength weapon user, more often than not at low levels you can use the really great finesse weapon and not have many negative effects. Unless you absolutely just must have the proper weapon for some reason.
Overcoming a loot shortage or scarcity is a rewarding challenge of its own.
And that level of scarcity will become less of an issue once the economy plateaus, it always does.
