It is one thing which is sort of irritating over the years to miss certain gear or reward-bound companions, I mean I get it to an certain extent to reward players but they should still be obtainable in some way.
Be it like Darth Hexid, or to put previous/retired gear into schematics for crafting, Flashpoints, Vendor, etc. I wouldn't care for the grind since it would give me more incentive to get it.