Purple is still better than Blue, which is still better than Green. What are you even talking about?
Your focus on raids and rated PvP, omits M+, which has become the most popular of the “three pillars of end-game content.” per Blizzard’s own poll (albeit forum polls should be taken with a big shovel of salt). I do think that Raid lockouts should be modified to be on par with the gearing rate for M+, but your statement makes me think you’re just salty that people can reach 447 by doing just M+. I’d also guess you only like to Raid and don’t bother doing M+ (hard to tell when you don’t post on your main).
Wasn’t that always the case? Just “back in the day” it was only raiders getting that max ilvl. Now, with all tracks of gear upgradeable and a pinnacle ilvl of 447/450, you still have something to work for as long as you like Raid, M+, or rated PvP. The Game Director has indicated he wants to bring higher difficulty open world content to a future expansion so even the solo players have a path to max ilvl.
If you like the way things were back in the day so much, why not consider playing Classic? Retail seems to have evolved to a place you don’t enjoy.