Guides and web pages claim they equip the best stuff in their inventory, but this is simply not true. You could make a full set of legendary armor for a follower, and give it to them. Yes, they will equip it. But when you send them home and come back later, they're back in their noob trash gear they start with. Why? Is there a way to fix this without cheating? Will Bethesda ever bother to fix this, and followers in general?