Some unique buffs, like the ones they are implementing for the crafting and gathering tools, would make them stand out a lot more than the stat sticks they are. The only one I can remember is like that is the Eurika one, and only at the end you got a buff with them. I do not think having them give a buff in OC is too much to ask to at the very least give them some measure of power besides a savage weapon that is purple.

It would be cool if they did not drop in item level for Fates in DT and maps. Just give them something of an advantage connected to the expac.