There have been theories that the absence of an Exotic Engram this week is related to the Christmas gift we are to receive sometime soon. But who truly knows?

This is one thing bungie has been unclear about. The motes are pretty pointless. There should be a system in place to upgrade your gear with them. Allowing you to increase the light level (not rarity, ie common to legendary) and defense few points of that armor you just love the look of, so you can keep using it for as long as you want. This way you go after certain armors for those special perks, but you don't have to grind your way through raids or other activities if you don't want to, plus it allows for extreme customizing of your look. This is just one idea I've seen on the forums. I like it, but it isn't perfect. If something like this is never done, the motes are pointless.