Shattered Kingdoms

Yeah ok, makes sense.

The item listed above had no additional enchantments. It came with mod combat endurance and slight fort. I just killed the NPC and kept it.

But I think I understand both your points. The item is a veteran level item with no enchantments, but as one of the IMMs said earlier (maybe even in a different log), enchantments increase its quality (whether coded or through a PC). So without magic it might be an above average item, but with them it's a superior item. Then, going from what Turon said, I was just unlucky that it got stolen, but once I hit Master I should be good.