Capital Games TeamExample: The higher relic character deals more damage to the lower relic character, but the lower relic character deals its normal damage to the higher relic character.
Result: This helps address the problem, but it doesn't protect the higher relic character. Think of a glass cannon build in an ARPG - you can add more damage, allowing you to kill things faster, but you still die to that 1 ground effect you step in. You're still susceptible to the same things, you just get more efficient in between dying to the same stuff. It's not holistic enough of an impact."
This is a purely disingenuous response to this solution. By adding damage to the relic tier level you are ENCOURAGING the player to seek additional levels. By adding a nerf to the lower relic tier damage vs the higher tier, you're REQUIRING IT.
And you know it. So don't try and lie to us in your big essay.