Bootstrap Conditions & Incrementer

[Mediator9292]

I'm trying to build an intelligent magic item that utilizes Influence similar to the Medium to unlock stronger abilities (tempting the user to give up more and more control). Most everything is going well, but I can't quite figure out how the syntax is supposed to work in the Condition's Tag Expression (where it says, "Edit Container Requirement Expression").
I'm utilizing First Phase and Priority 400, in case it matters, but the timing is on par with similar triggers like in Scaling Items.

Here is what I have drafted for the Tag Expressions. Ideally, different weapon properties and item spells will unlock at higher Influence levels, but for some reason, (field[actUser].value >= # doesn't cut it.

(fieldval:gIsEquip <> 0) & (field[actUser].value >= 9)

Any suggestions? Am I missing something obvious?