I don't think datacrons were designed for newer players or to invalidate mods (although they do negate them to a large degree) because:
1. Datacrons have minimum r5 requirements
2. Best datacrons are tied to GLs (i mean if you have JMK already then....)
3. Factions change every set (as low as 2 factions per set), which newer players won't have built
Newer whales will whale on datacron if it makes sense to (if they have rebels and jedi, i can see someone whaling on set 2, etc)
The randomness of the faction flavor of the month, and the R5 requirement doesn't seem like its meant to help newer players make up for the mod deficiency
I don't think datacrons were an inevitable solution to mods, if the mods were an issue, the inevitable solution would've been mod related
Like say, have less RNG, and letting players choose the mod stats or rolls (like say, i want my roll to be on speed, how much it rolls is RNG)
Yes, this effects all players, but over time, the speed secondaries and other stats would even out across players
and the only difference between a player with equalized relic, mods, is how they mod the toons, and what team comps they use
