We can technically run Expert instead of Master, or Master instead of Grandmaster, but that leaves the loot game on the floor. The point of progressing is to eventually get Tier 4 and 5 loot, but lower tier activities, lower Light Level activities, mostly drop trash gear. Doing lower tier Ops feels like stepping off the treadmill and giving up the chance at good carrots, which can feel as bad or worse than bouncing off harder content. As you say, it's a matter of balancing rewards, giving players of all skill levels a rewarding experience, I feel like the old system gave us a better balance for that. Maybe Tiered gear was a mistake.