We're having an influx of new players right now who probably aren't getting their Ironworks set as soon as they hit level 50. Most veteran players hit level 50 and immediately equip the set (can be bought in Mor Dhona with Tomestones, the currency that drops from all duties if you play a job level 50 or above, and is near BIS gear for level 50). With the latest tomestone gear for your level bracket, dungeons are trivial. If you're just using drops you get from dungeons or quests as you go then yeah the stat difference will be tremendous and you will die fast.