The reason public events are worth farming is that you have a chance at getting legendary shards or energies even after you get your daily post master reward. Its not gauranteed everytime, but I've got my hands on 4 so far this week doing it.
EDIT: After doing Tiger Strike playlist, its def the way to go for farming unique items, vanguard marks, and rep. I didn't get any legendary materials for upgrades, but I got a new shader, and hit Cryptarch rank 10. With no insane modifiers like juggler, the strikes are fairly easy.