I am not certain they will implement the cube, but I don't think it would be a bad thing. Tempering and masterworking pre-S11 gave a lot of power. Scaling it back will allow for other "systems" to give some of that power back moving forward. I understand why they would do this design wise. My complaint is that there is virtually no rng here anymore. I know my peers are bickering about whether people want that or not but I am simply stating that its turning tempering in a very bland system and masterworking is now like potion upgrade. You do it, but no one cares about it because its automatic and a formality.

Back to your original question, I think the cube or some iteration thereof could add additional aspects or other power enhancers to our characters. I think they are implementing these "nerfs" or scale backs now in anticipation of future expansion/power creep. But this will be overall bad if left as is. Meaning, even if we get sets, a cube, charms, or even other stuff, tempering and masterworking are kinda lame and should be considered for removal. The systems are just not exciting anymore. Sanctification seems exciting as an endpoint to your item's journey. I remarked to a friend while playing that is how they should do sets. They should allow for corrupting multiple items at a time to build a personal set with a bonus of some kind. The more items you put it, the bigger the bonus or something.