There was no "just in case" involved. Blizz ALWAYS wants you to move to the new tier and they WILL nerf the old tier if a spec or class isn't getting rid of it because the set bonuses are too good. So many examples in the past. ALWAYS take the new tier tokens.
IF you want to pass on them so others can use em, that's your personal call (unless ur guild does loot council), but don't be surprised or complain when the nerf bat finally hits the old tier. We all saw it coming, it was always just a matter of when.