Yeah, It can be really difficult to take a Level 24 in. You're doing so much reduced damage and taking more; it makes you more of a liability than an assistance to the team. We've taken a 24 to Atheon before, but once we hit Atheon, he spent far more of the fight dead than he did alive. Best bet is to keep trucking along, buy Legendaries with your marks if they're not dropping, and at least get 26.