Going to reply on my Wrath Classic toon w/ Valanyr in hands.
So, legendries format has changed. A lot.
You know that meme “YOU GET X AND YOU GET X. EVERYONE GETS X”
That’s kinda the idea behind modern design.
In Wrath specifically, Valanyr and Shadowmourne are a very very lengthy journey.
While Valy didn’t have any quest line, the lore around Shadowmourne is pretty epic if you choose to spend a few minutes reading through the quest text.
It’s also a group effort. Sure, you can pug it. But you still don’t get it done alone.
But, in the guild setting especially, once you get it, once the WHOLE GUILD EARNS IT, it does feel epic.
It’s LEGENDARY because it took LEGENDARY amount of effort to accomplish. It’s deeper than just picking a person to wield it. All remaining 24 people have to agree upon it. Have to work together to acquire it.
I’'ve been seeing those legendary bows drops on r/wow. Like 12 of them drop at the same time. Nothing special about it.
Legendaries in modern WoW feel like a requirement. You must get it or you fall behind.
Legendaries in Wrath feel like a bonus. Like that extra couple % of raw power. But it’s a bonus. Not a mandatory thing.
Running with SM or Valanyr, or even Thunderfury, feels like an earned privilege. And accomplishment, but not just for you, also for your guild/community.
That’s what sets them apart.