I agree. Alternate paths and optional matchmaking are needed. Let's be honest, too, nobody who does the raid on a regular basis struggles at it anymore...yet they are awarded top gear. As far as reaching 300..well I'm 307. I raided once and got just enough gear to push me to 300. This opened the door for 310 exotic engrams from 3oC. I've just been infusing legendary gear I like with those 310 exotics. I'd also stick with IB because you can get 300+ gear to drop.