I actually disagree that the smith rewards are worthless. I burn DC and Shadow Runics all the time to get specific mods (see twinkling scimitar). The twinklings and etc. are worth quite a bit with 20+dci. Easy to make relics out of copper, and bronze runics. Gold and agapite runics are a bit of a quandry though. Relics still work.
Even the low end garg pick axes are useful and the prospecting tools make me smile.
POF is very good for money. Ancient Smith Hammers are always useful. The anvils are nice as well.
You can also make crazy modded weapons and armor out of verite and valorite pieces that exceed the imbuing cap. Almost every suit i have has at least one crazy val piece that exceeds the imbuing cap and allows me to make better suits than someone with just imbued items.
Tailor rewards could use some work, i agree. However, some are still useful.
If you are looking to get rich, it can be done with these rewards. I do it all the time.
I would say smith rewards are worth the time if you are actually a smith and use them. If you are just after the money for rewards and not using the entire profession, the money loss is really on you and not the rewards.