Why you need extra retainers

[DreadRabbit]

The items in question are HQ. You cant buy HQ items from a vendor anywhere.

That's true, but Alistaire was wondering why bother when you could get the items for much cheaper as NQ. Or at least that's how I understood it.

Now if people are making HQ leveling gear for mates or their own classes, then you're right. No choice but the MB if you can't harvest/make the mats yourself/too lazy to.