Considering only two pieces of gear are sold during each iron banner, it lasts only 7 days and only comes around once a month. If you no life it you can get two pieces of gear with 36 light. You now have to do the raid or stay at level 31 (assuming you have a exotic.) until the next iron banner and you have to grind the reputation again and pray it is selling the last pieces you need. Since your playing other players who all want the samething it sure makes you earn your wins. I say yes iron banner is earned. You could do 2-3 raid and get the gear you need for 32 all you need to do then is keep running the raid for shards. Both ways are equally earned. The issue we have is not with how level 32 is earned. It's the elitist gamers who forget we are all unique and have opinion that differ on how we play. See you all on the battlefield or in the tower!