I think once we get a cap increase that's when we can truly expect a difference in the Relic quests. The majority of people will have the lvl 50 Relic itself, but not the say lvl 60 or lvl 75 upgrade for said relic. They can easily make pre-reqs for the upgrades take longer, but on along the way you have better weapons drop from primals or raids that are there to tide you along until you can complete that Upgrade quest. We will have upgrade quests for all AF gear as well. I'm sure we're not done with Curious Gorge and Solkzagyl (unless Dalamud kills them).

We don't know what 2.0 will bring, but I don't know why there can't be a balance with Relics and other weapons. But I guess people would hate situational items.