hasn't this argument happened already. Gear grind is a grind any way you go about it

a)pvp

b)heroics

c)crafted professions.

They all take time and are all have their advantages/disadvantages. I think the only reason "welfare epics" are you could get them from just afk farming bg's. Granted it sounds like you didn't do this. So I think you earned all your gear GOOD JOB!