I think we may need a new earnable currency, one akin to ‘harmonized silk’, but that doesn’t reward the actual armor piece, but the appearance of that particular armor piece.
Hear me out. I started later in S1 M+ on my shadow priest, after gearing up my main & getting done all the S1 things I wanted to achieve on her. Now, nearing the end of S1, I have saved, on my shadow priest, the rest of armor items that will complete the mythic version of her armor set (which is just gorgeous). But, since we are only given a new ‘harmonized silk’ charge every two weeks, I’ll be using charges from S2 in order to complete the transmog of last seasons set.
I don’t think the WoW team would be willing to let us earn more ‘harmonized silk’ charges, even near the end of each season, due to the possibility of people abusing such a system (in ways I can’t even begin to foresee), which is why I think a different transmog currency might be a better option for us transmog hunters.
Using the catalyst on the gear of previous seasons doesn’t require any charges. As long as you have eligible gear, it can be converted for free with no requirements.
If you’re hardcore about collection completion then you already have 2 of the same class for any sets that you want all 4 appearances. If you don’t want it that badly then you can always get it later when everything is soloable.
Realistically it isn’t even that hard, the LFR/N track items take no effort, whatever catchup gear comes out will be eligible for that, or world events or bloody tokens. All it takes is an occasional heroic dungeon and some world events for vault slots to buy vstones.
Are the pieces you have at least 5/6 Heroic or 1/6 Mythic? Once the season ends charges are free but Season 1 gear is no longer upgradable so if you are counting on catalyzing Hero track gear for Mythic appearance make sure it is upgraded to 5/6 before the season ends.
You can’t use season 2 catalyst charges on season one gear.
like others have said s1 charges are free and unlimited you just need to get the right season 1 gear for it to charge