I don't like either, but tomes are definitely the lesser of the two evils.

Take for example, my ninja I am currently leveling. I'm leveling it the old-school way of actually doing the leveling HW dungeons and not PotD (what is this?!). I still have a level 50 necklace, and a level 52 body piece and belt. I ran the Vault three times so far, and I have only gotten one piece of gear (earrings) from there. I had a Dex ring from back when I was doing story on my BRD.

This doesn't really change that tomes are more of a chore for me (I honestly haven't capped scripture in four weeks since I already have all the pieces I want for BRD and DRK), but RNG is cruel. (Because now that I actually need scouting gear, it's nowhere to be seen!!!)