We can assume - and did pre event- that any character dropped under this style of event will be obtained at 5 stars and require some other method to reach 7 stars.
I have used my GAS effectively and entertainingly since unlocking - there is more than one game mode by I found him effective with a Padme team in the arena anyway.
Yes G13 and relics mean that anyone not at 7 stars will be farther and farther behind but that is due to the 7 star G12 requirement- if they went G14 instead of relics we would be looking at the same thing- 5 star characters are farther behind completely maxed out characters.
The next character dropped this way will be 5 stars too- and I will do whatever I can to get them because I like getting new characters and I like new events. Then I will scrimp and grind to get him/her/them started up as best I can.
Is it rough not to get to dominate with them right away? For sure- but not unexpected.
Not sure how we are still talking about this actually.