Currently the loot chests are useless to most players. They (both small and big chests) are mostly filled with materials that are useless to higher level players.
I suggest reducing the number of chests and significantly increasing the time for the chests to regenerate. But, when they do spawn, put useful items in them (ascendant materials, radiant materials, etheric light, ammo synthesis (all 3 types), legendary weapons, etc. Put the higher level stuff in the big chests. Make the small chests more rare (ammo synths, consumables, lower level armors/weapons), and make the big chests [i]almost[/i] nonexistent.