They changed recommended level a while back. you still see red stats if you are too low to wear it, which would imply that you could wear it....but you can't. You will get the standard error " Your race and or deity combination cannot equip this item" or whatever it is. And I KNOW it has nothing to do with race or deity. My druid has a prelates lantern which is recommended level 51 and he got that error from 48 through 50. Finally when i dinged 51 I could put them on.
Please don't flame unless you have tried this.
As a side note. My War was wearing some Fierce when they changed this and he can still wear it evan though he in only 41. Can't wear the legs anymore though cause I took them off to test my theory. once ya take em off...you can't put em back on. So if you're wearing something above your level? Take my word! don't take em off till you're high enough.
Then, if your curious? Make a mule and try to equip em.
Just wanted everyone to know how it's workin on both Ayonae Ro and Stormhammer right now.
Xris Master
Krellvev 51 Wanderer
and too many other alts to shake a stick at :P