What I mean by "random" isn't finding a sword in a barrel. "Random" as in, you slay the dragon, you get good loot. Which items? Well, roll against the tables. If that's not what D&D5e is doing these days, I'd like to know. Ultimately, not a deal breaker either way. You can still get an item that has a history attached to it (e.g Sting).
5e still have loot tables.
I think people are blowing this random items a bit out of proportions. The Divinity games have unique items that are always on the same character, merchant, hidden place or chest. These usually have a lore description too, although not as long as some of the items in older games. Some even get referenced in books in game or by NPCs.
These game also have a Diablo itemization system and shower you with "magical" gear that are mostly useless, but the gameplay of BG3 have shown none of that and enemies loot looks low level D&D appropriate so far.
Yes, the D:OS games had unique items . . . and they were completely unimportent because one level later you found something better. I do not remember the name of any such item and often I did not use them because some random stuff was better even at that level.
Lets look at BG2. Very early you can find Lilarcor (greatsword+3, immunity to mind effects) and I usually keep it for large parts of the game. Not 100% sure, but I think the next greatsword+4 you find is in the underdark (except paladin only holy avenger).
Or think of the flail of ages (chance to slow enemy, 3 different types of elemental damage). There was an enemy mage who started combat with all kinds of immunity spells, but he was not immun to all elements. I just hit him all the time for 2 damage and prevented him from casting anything. And its nice to finish trolls without spending resources.
Point is: We remember the items of BG because we know where to find them, what they do and the things we experianced when fighting with them.
We do not remember anything from D:OS because the next orc would drop something better.
I and some other people also like to create characters build around certain items. Here is an example from me from
PoE2. This would not be possible in D;OS. There you can only say: Max out stat and skill x, use the random equipment that boosts those stats even more and learn these abilities from books you can find in every shop.
With a complex system like DnD 5E and unique items you can plan interesting characters and even if nobody else cares, you will remember that you backstabbed the overlord of doom with the dagger of deception which you got in the dungeon of darkness by killing the dragon of desaster.
Prof. Dr. Dr. Mad S. Tist 
