I think this is a known bug. I know I've seen similar threads about this issue. It's kind of annoying, but easy to fix if you have EEKeeper. (View Post)

One thing I really hate about Oblivion and Skyrim is the level scaling. (View Post)

I was thinking the same thing. (View Post)

If you just want to get your stuff back but have no intention of ever recruiting him again, you could just kill him and loot your stuff off his dead body. He should be in the Friendly Arm Inn. (View Post)

I wouldn't expect games to cost any more than they do now. (View Post)