Alli, we go back so I'll connect some dots for you.
The 2nd tier stuff is spendy because Riot is constantly losing, getting responder dkp, and people aren't spending their dkp. Therefore, when they get something even remotely good, people need something to spend their dkp on.
It has nothing to do with rooted dragons.
BIS loot in Vanq has never been cheaper.
I don't know why you're doing this to yourself. Just app Vanq already.
http://forum.vanquish99.org/