They just look better. They're more fun to use. They don't have useless pointy parts.
-
I like the current IB weapons and gear but I agree with the OP that the year two IB weapons looked and felt much better. I still use my Finnala's peril and Weyloran's March over the year three equivalents. I got lucky with a good roll on the Finnala's, check it out on my Warlock.