The problem with pvp at the moment is you get these huge power boosts at 1400, 1600, 1800 and 2100. Thats a 6-7 ilvl jump at every interval. A new character is going to have a much harder time than one that pushed earlier in the season. Early in the season you were only upgrading 1-2 pieces at each interval because you didn't have the conquest for a full set to upgrade.