I'd be happy if clearing the normal raid wasn't the requirement for the Savage one. Basically, offer the story through both, use the Savage loot system for both (sorry, but token-only grinds on normal are a drag), and let players choose what they will.

Want the challenge and the story? Run Savage
Don't care for the challenge but want the story? Run Normal
Static broke up/taking a break but you REALLY want to see the story through? Switch to running Normal.

I see no real loss in letting both kinds of players get what they want out of it. But having to run normal for the story, then Savage for just challenge and gear felt disjointed. I think that's another reason we look back on Coil with pleasant nostalgia. The story was a reward, not just something to slog through on the way to Savage.