It is not bugged.
If you want to use the one from noob helper, you have to delete the one you got from running the beginner area or your home bind congratulary points before completing the level 20 newbie helper quest. If you don't delete the one you are already using, you will NOT GET the better one from the Newbie Helper. Sucks, but that is the way the game has been for as long as there has been a Newbie Helper.
My suggestion... lvl 24 takes only a couple hours to achieve. Take all the equipment and crones you made with your character, but them in your bank, go to the character selection screen delete that character and create a new character with the same name. This time when you hit level 20, remember my advice and get rid of that crappy low-exp seal before doing the levle 20 newbie helper quest.