[QUOTE=Raumoheru]i only recomend them if you have already completed the game and want a little more kick out of your next run

.[/QUOTE]
Or a little "less kick", as the case may be.
I agree with krunchyfrogg. If your characters become more powerful and all other things remain the same, then the mod unbalances the game, by definition.
On the other hand, if you install a mod that makes the game more difficult, then using an item upgrade mod helps maintain balance. For the sake of comparison, consider Icewind Dale II. If you play in Heart of Fury mode, the monsters are tougher AND you can acquire better items. The balance is still tilted in favor of greater difficulty, though.
If you want to play in a mode that makes you significantly stronger and makes the monsters weaker, just set the game to "Easy" difficulty. It would give you the same effect as using an item upgrade mod. Maybe that will give you the extra "kick" you're looking for. Or maybe it proves krunchyfrogg's point.
