Why is Etheral worth more...

[PoisonPhin]

than non eth cause when it brakes, you cant use it?

[TheCryingStar]

There are runewords such as Exile that let things repair over a short period of time which basically makes the eth item, non-eth. The only reason for doing this is because eth items have higher defense for armors and higher damage for weapons.

[Tetsumaru]

and also eth stuff has 50% higher base stats and merc items dont lose durability so its best merc stuff if its eth.

aka take a bonehew for a merc:

now give it 50% more damage.
now make the stat req less.

teh ownage

[AngelDust777]

I hate ethernal. Although, it is the best for defence and stuff while you're low level. But TheCryingStar explained it fully...