I take it you weren't here for the same problem on VoG hard when it was level 29's that were bullied by 30's. At least there are easier ways to get shards, I was stuck on level 29 for over a month because RNG wouldn't allow a chest piece to drop for me. I do understand what you are getting at though my only advice would be to have a regular raid team that you trust and do it with them. I'm in one myself and we are going to take our two 31's with us tonight so they get more shards.