If they want Relics and AF Chest armor to be the sparkly-endgame of all weapons (lore-wise, I don't care that Dual Hakken is better than Bravura, that's not the point I'm making) they should give the Relic weapons and AF armors special effects.

EX:

Sphairai : You can set this item to activate from a hot-bar.
Item Activation: Chakra Strike - Cast time 5 seconds. Grants a 30m effect on you that provides a 5% chance for a 5 potency non-elemental attack to strike your target every time you connect a physical attack. 30m CD

Sphairai Zenith: You can set this item to activate from a hot-bar.
Item Activation: Chakra Strike Zenith - Cast time 5 seconds. Grants a 30m effect on you that provides a 5% chance for a 5 potency non-elemental attack to strike your target every time you connect a physical attack
Zenith Trait: Also grants a 1% chance for you to directly channel your Chakra for 15s, adding the effect "Channel" which will cause each melee strike to produce a 5 potency non-elemental attack. 30m CD

Valor Chest: You can set this item to activate from a hot-bar.
Item Activation: Martyr's Oath - Cast time: instant. Grants a 30s effect on you that provides a 5% chance to heal you and your allies for 400 potency (PLD have weak MND stats, this would be something like 325-350hp) every time you are struck by an opponent. 20m CD

If that's too OP adjust the potencies or add a quest where you need to... I dunno complete each SM dungeon without anyone dying. I just feel like the end result of getting your iconic or legendary weapon or armor should be more than "Dis is gud weap" - it should be special, and it should keep the item relevant after its been replaced, as you could activate this stuff from inventory after you get your i120 weapon in 8 months.