@blind_mapmaker@DarkestKale Yeah, I think D&D 3e and later makes this very obvious with its steady escalation of foe parameters so that you're facing basically the same difficulty of fight for you even as your abilities increase.
I agree, absolute power level doesn't matter. What makes for interesting games IMO is a bit of ability to affect the world and stakes that make it worth the risk. (Which is why a Kids With Bikes game is playable even if you say "there will be no death or serious injury".)