You can still do the TF without getting the badge... or without incarnate powers. In fact a decent tanker should be able to *solo* level 54 ITF. Especially a Dark/Dark, considering I could do it on my SR/WM no problem.
Honestly, missions where people die a lot are a lot more fun than mindless steamroll, because then you can organize them, and get them to use tactics, etc. I ran 54x8 PI radio missions plus a safeguard with a team of random lowbies that way, even though people died multiple times per mission. But just reminding them to use their insps and to stick together worked wonders, combined with liberal use of revival/resuscitator on my end. And it wasn't even council only!
But I guess giving up and calling it dogshit is easier ᖍ(ツ)ᖌ