Smite Paladin Gear Drops Are Terrible

[Senna]

I am following this guide https://maxroll.gg/last-epoch/build-guides/smite-hammerdin-guide and am level 86 working on empowered monoliths. I have spent a fortune in gold buying tabs and keep all exalted, sets and uniques. My problem is that other than the avarice gloves, I've had exactly two idols that cast smite on throwing attacks and ZERO other even recommended starting gear drop. I'm not opposed to grinding some gear, but this drop rate seems ridiculously low and depressing. Can someone tell me it gets better as I work further through monoliths and dungeons?