I'm having the same issue. I bought the Green Core Hawkeye Crystals a long time ago on the Cartel Market. And I found out when I logged in yesterday, that I can no longer use them. Very disappointed I can't use those characters right now, as they don't have weapons I can use.
Just get rid of Artifact Authorization from the game. It causes more harm than brings money. New players get an impression that this is pay2win feature.
Also buying Artifact Authorization is a total waste of cartel coins since all purple gear after level 53 doesn't require it. Having it for levels 1-50 is just plain stupid since you easily outlevel your gear and content is so dumbed down that a player is fine in greens.
Wish I could give your post +1k xp - this is exactly my feeling on the subject!
