For crafters, you can use unbound ML shards in combination with bound effect shards. I just bought an unbound ML28 on Mirys, and crafted bound Seeker and Accuracy shards together on a set of goggles.
On the subject of the TR Group 2016-2020 season, we might consider loosening the standards a bit. Currently, we run only when together, as always, and stay at level. As a result, we've been hitting Epics and the newly minted Alt TR group more often by far.
I suggest that we treat TR groups the same as the Alt group is currently. We alternate between the two groups to give those who miss a session a chance to keep up, but don't spend so much time worrying about streaks and staying strictly together. There is plenty of XP in the game, so bravery streak isn't necessary, and enough of us play through the week and weekend that we should be able to keep up any stragglers. Otherwise, we may not see this group done with before Christmas of next year.