Also I am not really sure why are you guys thinking that the tokens are somehow the greater reward?

Like, imagine like this: 3 assured drops per run in each party, one-week lockout timer per player.
That's how the drop system is. You are rewarded for your hard work, AND you luck. If you're not lucky enough to get the item you just keep trying and you will eventually get it in a reasonable timeframe.

On top of that, there is a thing you earn anyway so you don't feel like you're doing something for nothing, while not somehow decreasing the amount of work required to acquire any specific item.