I think the feature was intended to be just another casual activity that provides tomes and additional pathways to iLvl 50+ items. Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot of open-world content that awards tomes (with the exception of beastman dailies).

Unfortunately, it is just another case of meta-gaming winning out over immersive gaming. Can't blame the devs per say.... MMOgamers tend to prefer the fastest/efficient route at the cost of immersion.