Black Desert has an exstensive upgrading system, you can take items you buy from NPCs and upgrade them thru play.

A long process that often leads to frustration because of the high likelyhood of failure and having to start back over from the begining of upgrading your item.

I researched a bit, and have decided the best way is to simply only play during the Seasonal periods... when you can upgrade your gear quickly and with a lot less stress.

Guess it will mean gaps in between playing, sometimes months at a time.. since you can upgrade a decent set of Tulva gear in a week or two to PEN.

Pros:
     * Less stressful upgrade.

     * 30+ day gaps mean you will get to play on the New/Returning server and get extra free perks.
     * Spend less real money on Pearl Store.

Cons:

     * You run the risk of liking a different game more than Black Desert, because you're going to want to do something while you wait.