For some of us it’s been less ‘farm gear in old content’ and more ‘don’t throw anything with sockets or cool effects out’. I have been saving trinkets going back to WoD. Sometimes you luck out in transmog runs too.
You’re conflating two very different issues, but keep in mind players have had timewalking sets for timewalking dungeons and raids too. Makes the content so much easier. Nothing to do with arguments on the rewards for the upcoming mage tower.