Currently, Relic weapons are noticeably weaker than their Empyreon counterparts. Though the earlier trials to upgrade Relics were horrible failures, the most recent (level 90) trials were a major step in the right direction. Instead of enhancing virtually useless ACC/ATK bonuses and a decent damage boost, the hidden +25% damage to Relic Weaponskills moved them closer to the top, though still short of it.
There are still a few changes that could be fixed however.
1) The "Occasionally deals double damage" trait of the Relic weapons could be boosted noticably.
2) The Aftermaths on some relic weapons suffer because their benefits are capped, whereas the double damage aftermath from the Empyreon weapons does not cap. For example: Catastrophe gives the Aftermath effect of Haste. Unfortunately, if you have 26% haste in gear, or you have haste enhancements totaling 80% haste, the effect does absolutely nothing. This could be fixed by allowing Aftermath effects to go past these caps.
3) While the recent Trials were a step in the right direction, more is still needed to make Relic Weaponskills stand on equal footing with Empyreon Weaponskills. Continueing to enhance their damage is the perfect solution.
I personally have no problems jumping through hoops of burning tarutaru children to obtain relic upgrades, as long as they're worth the trouble.