Name one "useless" item is STRONGER then a set/synthesis.
Yes there is, even though not much as I thought, but yes. For example Shard of Shadow, or Nether Staff. Shard of Shadow with decent dps and moreover %steal chance, Nether Staff with slow opponent and %magic damage, they are items that I find more useful than many sets/synthesis, especially when I have not used any give up to afford those fancy end-game stuffs at mid-game chapters
About the item price, if it 's unrealistic then how about make "useless drop" drop more? Implement more of them in the game? Make Gladiator or Axe rain, maybe?