Ignoring the OP (sorry) yeah, I've been #1 a few times and place in the top 5 pretty much every time (depending on schedule :tongue: ) and I've yet to get enough to craft a piece. I think one of them I have 35 pcs after all this time. Some of the drops for that yellow gear, in top spots, is like 4 pieces.
I guess they get you with using crystals to buy stuff... but, IDK, feels like a lot of effort and the return is mostly the guild coins (then you use can buy exactly what you need).
To the OP -- honestly, got full made raid gear in low positions in tier 6 Rancor when we used to do that and was really happy and then I've gotten malarky in the #1 spot (except shards) so luck has more to do with it then anything.
S, the answer is whatever option lets you run the most raids, fastest increase, your chances the most.