The futility of gearing before 80

[elsegundo]

I would never run an instance just for gear. I put on the best gear I get, but don't chase it. The only exception is at 74 the tank weapon from Zul-Drak from one of the start quests. That weapon will last until 80 easily and be effective until you get an 80 epic.

but if the gear is a quest reward for completing the instance, then that's also a different story. i wouldnt run instances for gear either. if it drops, it drops. if not, get the quest reward and move on. =]
level 80 isnt that far off.