Newish player - Need some Raid advice.

I bought the game five years ago, leveled an agent to 30, then quit after I realized I'd have to buy the Warlord's expansion to continue.

I came back a few months ago, bought the now cheap expansion, and have been having a blast.

Lately I've been running a lot of Countdown, but that's my only grouping experience (not that anyone talks or really communicates).

Are the raids and incursion worth running? I mean, I don't see any weapons there that would replace my St Elmo's or Lex as my daily driver.

How successful are random groups at these raids, or should I really by looking to join a raiding clan?