Doing a bit of reading over at UESP.net, I noticed some entries for the Nightingale, Thieves, and Shrouded armor have multiple entries, denoting that each armor set is leveled.

First off, SHAME ON YOU BETHESDA. This shouldnt be happening anymore.

Second, when's the top-level versions of these armors given to you?

Third, (goes into Skyrim mods, but might as well ask), a mod that makes them level-less? Or removes the enchantments?

Yes, I hated it.

Lucky I'm a modder and made a mod to fix them for me.
http://www.skyrimnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2604

i think only the enchantments are leveled depending on your character when you get the item. even at the highest level, the enchantments are usually useless IMO. so, i don't really think it is any risk getting these items early on, because the actual stats of the weapon/armor are not actually affected by leveling.

you can get forgable Nightingale and Thieves guild armor on skyrim nexus http://www.skyrimnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1234 which allows you to forge these armors at any forge, and without any enchantments.
unfortunately no shrouded gear yet.

thanks for the pointers guys found what I needed