Zodiac sounds a bit like grinds I've done in other games but tweaked to keep high level players down in the trenches at least some of the time.

Like I said, I haven't come close to even starting this grind, so I cannot talk about it as someone who has experience.

If it's as irritating as you say (and I don't doubt you) then hopefully this is a concept SE will streamline a bit come Heavensward.