yes they are. But then again, the items are basically raid targets for people who could use them. And to the ubers out there, I know that the gardens can be done with a single group, but that single group isnt likely to find an item like this as a significant upgrade. But do this with a non-EP guild in a 2-3 group raid and these drops are VERY significant upgrades.
Quiinn, 65 Barbarian Shaman Defenders of Kerra Ridge Cazic-Thule
these drops are prolly tier 3 or 1-groupable tier 4 quality items (well, almost...1 groupable junk is normally 100hps), so they're not really low...and many people in EP (and time) flagged guilds aren't fully EP+ geared and so can use items like this as upgrades. And the mob is easily 1 groupable (if ya have trouble try: defensive warrior and 2 healers)