why are all maps tougher since this weekend?

[Rare]

Why would it register the others as 31if they are 14 - 17? Turn it around...you're a level 14, ask help from guild with a mob/boss ur stuck on in, say, dead city...a lv31 turns up, now you're facing lv31 enemies when you were stuck already with lower level ones. Explain the logic, please...

Because that's how the scaling works. Otherwise, high levels would just join low levels and faceroll through levels. You think you're helping them, but in fact you are hurting them. The only places this works are areas where the mob levels are capped already. Like Brackenridge or Yrda. I'm not sure about dead city. You are hurting them more than helping them if you join and you are 2x their level.

You don't have to be advanced to succeed. Certainly not to play "NORMAL" maps.

If these maps are too hard for you, perhaps you're progressing too quickly. Pay attention to the recommended level for each campaign. Seriously, the normal maps (bosses I mean) do not get difficult until you reach nordr (ok. and including Bloodhammer in Skull Cove).