Lol, you thought the boss racers were tough? I finished the career in my tier 2 Monaro. What i wouldn't give for one of them as a Chrissy present.
As you mention, the rewards for post-career races are a bit of a joke. Unlocking the some of the reward cards is simply impossible without countless hours grind. I get the impression that's what the developers wanted with Carbon. They'll not get it from me.