People in general agree that there is better evil gear somewhere in the game. The key word is "somewhere", not on actual evil characters. It's hard to get and very limited.
But half of the fortress or even more than a half is walking with prayer beards. When so many players prefer them over something esle, it may give you a hint about their real power. Plus, that same half of the fortress wears a brilliance helm as well. And half of that half is wielding defiance just because there 3 or so of them and nobody else can use them. And other half of that half walks with heartseekers.
That all together makes some sick progged machines than no evils can match in practice. Yes, in theory you can be a lich, gather all ST/Hell gear and hold onto it for a year, and probably then you will be as sick, but that is in theory.

It is true, that goodies have other issues/restrictions, so I don't necessary claim that balance is broken here. Still, prayer beards are probably out of control right now.