Does PVP level count the same as PVE level?

GWD1983

Hey, I was wondering since you get PVP Weapons and armors and stuff in AoC. Does the PVP level make you stronger in PVE combat or does it just count in PVP fights... Since I would be delighted if at higher LVL I could just turn to PVP to level my PVP stats and become stronger too instead of grinding endless streams of monsters...