It's no longer about getting to 34. It's about getting all your gear ascended. I'm 34 on two of my characters (Titan and Warlock). But right now the only swapping I can do with them is exotic helmets. That's OK for now, but there's still plenty of work to be done to make them more flexible 34s. And then there's the weapons. I have 3 Fatebringers and I want all of them ascended. Same with my black hammers. VOC is on that list. At least 1 Vestian Dynasty. I have ascended all of my Exotics, so that's out of the way. But I still have most of the new ones to acquire, as well as a 4th Horseman.