I usually run without a helm anyways on my toon, so they aren't too bad in my opinion!
I do, however, like the idea that the loot from the previos content will feed into the next no matter if it's a 10 or 25-man. It will honestly make pugging much easier, especially if the gear sets look alike. If I'm not mistaken, Nax10 and Nax25 sets look close to the same. I can look at someone and tell if they are in Nax gear and can pug in our 25-man group. It's just a change. it'll have its ups and downs!
On a side note, that makes me think..... I would love if you could pull up armory in game to see what someone is wearing even if they aren't in range. It'd make pugging much easier.