Certain companion quests can be unlocked earlier than levels intended, I had Mako's quest on DK unlock when I was 32, it was a level 40 mission and because I didn't notice the level attached to the quest I got hammered. The thing to consider is that when you look at the quest journal, you need to see what level the quest is to make sure you're the proper level to complete it, and if the elite was resisting all of your attacks it means you were so far below level that you had no chance of beating him.
You should gain some levels until you are within the proper range to complete that quest, no nerf to enemy levels is needed.