That logic applies to all gear really. "Statsticks" - relics, etc - were removed because they contributed nothing. They wasted time on designing them, and nobody ever saw them. The stats were mediocre at best, as opposed to trinkets and their effects, which are quite powerful. Lastly, all those relics were cluttering up loot tables unnecessarily. Furthermore, trinkets actually alters playstyle. Aligning your cooldowns with trinket procs, for example, and don't even get me started on how trinkets affect classes like affliction locks. Relics didn't do that at all.
But how far do you want to go? As I said, that logic goes for everything. Personally, trinkets are my favourite items in the game, right after weapons. When I got a new wand, I got one because that's a stat slot that needs filling. When I get a new headpiece, I'll notice a difference. When I equip my new trinket, it's awesome.