Many players buy the lower level AP rewards because they either don't know any better or are too impatient to wait to gather 10 thousand AP. The lower level rewards occasionally throw out a planet coin but in general you will receive crafting materials for items you wouldn't want to craft in the first place. Popinjay's Footwear which has stats of 70 att, 70 def, 60 perc. You can get better boots than this by hitting any number of raids.
The kings bounty will also give you some pretty bad gear but with a huge silver lining. Here is the list of items in the King's Bounty which unlike the lower level rewards are all unique.
- The Red Prince's Legplates
- (Pants) (95A, 95D, 95P)
- The Red Prince's Cuirass
- (Chest) (95A, 95D, 95P)
- Avenger of the Realm
- (Main Hand) (200A, 80D)
- Defender of the Realm
- (Off Hand) (80A, 200D)
- Henchmen - (Legion) (3 Generals: Intellect; 16 Troops: Strength; Power Bonus: 200)
Now when you first start playing 10k AP may seem a very long way off but eventually it will roll in pretty fast and then you can use your new found PC riches to buy some gear that is actually worth it.