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Now, pardon me if my memory is inaccurate at the moment, but didn't Niflheim come out prior to S3, and thus prior to level 90 gear as well. I recall doing these runs just fine with my guild mates when the content landed. (I actually can't remember for certain, but chronologically it makes sense.)
If there's any valid complaint here, it's that leveling is too easy now, and thus newer players aren't well versed with their characters by the time they reach level 80. Gearing at level 80 isn't the issue either, since magic powder is abundant as well as enchants that won't destroy equipment. Niflheim even lets you die now! Anyone remember perma death in those runs? As a Fiona, I remember carrying my group a bunch while everyone lay dead.