Can't agree with this. Alternative way to get ring was good decision for sure. Sure having unique BIS item behind ranked would revive ranked for a while (at least until early birds get the item) but hurt rest of the game big time. Having BIS item locked behing content where you have to get good (for certain aspect of game), sit in queue for hours and hours to get in random team, join discord with people you dont necessary like to play with (or get reported, flamed & memed on), play spec you dont necessary want to play with etc...
Also you can argue that war 6vs6 is not that exciting with so many similar mechanics. It's either guard punt, cc healers, kd kill target into kill. Defensive morales & abilities being on short cooldown doesn't make it any better. That being said, at least that requires some coordination and alternative of unga bunga through everything is even worse.
In WoW you can get BIS pvp gear with multiple ways of pvp'ing (BG's, Ranked BG's, World pvp, unranked arenas, pvp brawl events etc) but gladiator titles, unique mounts and appearance are locked behind arena rating. Not too different from current RoR system.. the way which things should be imo.