Max Damage

[Stormlight]

I thought about posting in Bugs, but thought this might just be something I'm not aware of.

Details:

• I'm a level 16 human paladin.
• My base str is 88 without buffs.
• I'm using a Firerune Brand (21/40).

Yesterday I was hitting yard trash in Unrest and random low mobs in newbie zones for 40 max damage, as expected at my level. I'm reasonably sure this was often without a str buff, and absolutely sure it wasn't with any buff better than a 14 druid can provide.

Today I am hitting for 28 max on the same creatures, and with a much higher 2HS skill.

I heard the server went down last night, but it doesn't seem like this could happen without a patch. Am I missing something?