We have had some recent discussions about the epic 1.5/2.0 quests. At this time, the general majority is feeling that they are too easy as a whole to obtain. (If you compare to the actual quests). There is no 'epic' feel to them.
At this time, we would not be comfortable in making that easier. Although, yes, I do agree some of the VT shards are extreme pains in the backside.