I'm about 70-ish quests into the 4.0 MSQ and I've only gotten enough better gear to replace half my Shire set, if that gives any indication on how solid an investment that is. Also, if you happen to have any Silver Chocobo Feathers saved up, I found that that the Calamity Salvager will give you body/leg sets of the Ironworks and Shire Gear for five feathers. Helped me out a lot!