Problem 1: Aside from a select group of pieces, commendation gear is worthless. Okay, it's not literally worthless, but an optimized 186 set of a gear is superior to elite commendation gear AND possibly ultimate commendation gear as well.
Solution: Allow level 60 armoring, mods, hilts, barrels, and enhancements to be purchasable for commendations instead of the poorly fitted armor pieces.
Problem 2: There is no incentive to run Hard Mode Flashpoints because 1) see above, problem 1, and 2) the actual item drops are poor as well. Why does the 184 tier of gear exist AT ALL?
Solution: The first two bosses now drop 186 tier equipment. The bonus boss and final boss also drop 186 tier equipment, BUT from a newly created "Flashpoint Tier" set complete with a set bonus a la Operations gear. This set bonus will be shared with Operations gear allowing players to continue to mix and match pieces as they transition from 186 to ultimately 198 tier.