This. Spotting a datacron outside of the map and figuring out just how the f to get there is extremely satisfying once you pull it off. It sure takes you back to the time when finding a secret item was only half the battle.
And I'm pretty sure BioWare made them strictly optional. If you don't want them/can't get to them, then don't bother or come back later and try again.
I hope they make a reappearance in future content updates.