They were content gap grind items. A couple years have passed since then however and there are items that actually come from quests that are the appropriate level for capped toons now.
It is simply not wise to conflate grind with challenge. The only time a grind makes sense in a game is when it is still remotely challenging (at the level cap). Otherwise, it quickly becomes mind numbingly boring.
Harder content always deserves better drops. This suggestion is in line with this and the overwhelmingly important concept that grinds that are easy should be eliminated or drastically reduced.