Quote Originally Posted by Alhanelem View Post
But aren't the shields and instruments still rather good, unlike mmost of the relic/empyrean weapons?
Good is relative. For the most part why they are still good is because there are not a lot of other options when it comes to shields. If you don't have Ochain then you use the next best shield which is the Oboro one Priwen. And that's pretty much it.

Instruments will always be useful though because they can be swapped out freely, and the magic accuracy skill for them is actually on their main hand weapon so it's not like the lack of skill on them is hurting any.