I think giving casuals alternate methods of acquisition other than just "wait for the raid nerf" is what's more important, tbh. I don't raid not because I'm not "good enough", I don't raid cuz it's boring. Pre-scripted encounters with lockstep synchro swimming mechanics and a "someone died, time to wipe" fail ratio aren't interesting to me. I actually find myself as a healer most challenged in Mhach these days, where my ability to adapt and react to scenarios has salvaged many a run. So for me, the ideal ways to get gear would be from there, or from the Esos/Lore I get from running the place repeatedly.

Basically, I don't think locking anything that impacts battle gameplay behind raids only is ever a good thing. And if they make something like Nodachi +1 obtainable from raid OR tomes, then we'll have the same issue we have now about raiders not feeling "exclusive enough".