This is the second iteration of this system, the first one (Zodiac Nexus) was the same.

If i recall correctly the steps for zodiac weapons weren't nerfed until anima was introduced, so likewise they will further nerf anima steps when the next relic is out, which so far seems to be scheduled to 4.15. The nerf consists of increased aetheric condensation from HW duties, I highly doubt they will include SB duties as they don't want players using old weapons in level 70 content.