With the changes in the economy recently, we've heard many players complaining about the issues with gold.
With the increase in other resources from battles, the rewards quests provide has become so insignificant I can't imagine anyone really bothers with him. (I haven't looked at them in weeks).
Considering this, if quest rewards were turned into pure gold, they would feel much more valuable to those suffering from the gold shortage. (and to be fair, it would probably me a little more realistic too). You wouldn't usually pay someone for their services in wood, stone and iron.
So instead of this
The reward would simply be 2258 (or more) gold. Which would be much more appealing in the current economy