You can get usable items via Callings (Emissary) in SL as well as from WQs/Rep Grinds. It's almost exactly the same number of available sources as BfA.You are really really ignorant to all the launch problems of BfA. You pretty much had to grind everything available in the game at launch to be on the curve for Uldir and the first Mythic+ season.
Player Power Reward Mechanics in Shadowlands:
- Raids
- Dungeons
- PvP
- Torghast (1-2 hour per week depending on your skill)
- Renown
Player Power Reward Mechanics in BfA:
- Raids
- Dungeons
- PvP
- Island Expeditions
- Warfronts
- Emissaries
- Reputations (meaning WQ Grind)
It gets even better when you look at the other things to do. I have so much fun stuff to do rn, that I don't want BfA or WoD back at any time. But it's optional! I can use my time for other games, stuff or real life, while BfA burned through so many people because of that grind.
Cosmetic Reward Mechanics in Shadowlands, that don't reward Player Power:
- Maw/Twisting Corridors
- Anima
- Covenant Sanctum
- Sanctum Ability
- Reputations
- Pet Battles
- Callings
Cosmetic Reward Mechanics in BfA, that don't reward Player Power:
- Pet Battles
People like you either didn't play at BfA launch while wanting to raid asap or try to twist facts because they want to make the game look bad. As with Artifact Power in Legion, Azerite was a real problem and the reason systems like that are gone for now.