The relic chain is designed for people who are a completionist style of gamer or enjoy spending the time on something unique/bragging rights (not in a bad way I respect those who put in the effort). The chain is great to satisfy that type of gamer. If you aren't, there are alternate equally good upgrade paths achieved by other means such as soldiery (and soon the poetic weapons I'd guess) or gated by content such as coil or ex primals.

I think the design of the relic/zodiac path is good to appeal to a certain group. Others, like myself, just have to realize it is a quest line not designed for my tastes as I'd rather spend those hours learning primals and SCOB and with my play schedule I sadly don't have time for both.

I'll continue with my relic chain slowly at my own pace, it just isn't a primary means of weapon upgrades for me