Its completely clearable in the base crafted gear and you should always be using tinctures on a clear run regardless of your gear. Extra dps is extra dps. The difficulty is mostly in the mechanics, and the dps check second.

Catchup mechanics early in the tier would completely negate the point of raiding. They unlock it a month before the next tier because the tier is over. I don't see the point in making savage easier only a few weeks after the tier comes out. Its savage, its supposed to be difficult. Its not the end of the world if it takes you longer to clear the tier.