Purification runes are not useless. In fact, until you have gold stats on all your gear, you will need them.

I personally don't mind Great Plates this week, however, I rather them increase the amount of frags that do drop, like put 2 10k ninjas for 5 frags and the other at 10. Then make 20k ninjas at 2 frags. Do this and I'll spend on it.