Silithus has like, some of the best atmosphere in the game. Anyone who doesn't run around there for a little while(who cares about the quests) fails at WoW.
Eh. The southern area i.e. the gates of the temples is pretty awesome. But the rest of the place? fuck no. I hate flat expanses of flat flatness where all you can see is huge mobs every five yards for a hundred miles. It's so fake looking.
Add to it the stupid insect druid spawns from hell and that trying to get out of combat in that zone is a huge PITA. The quests (even the pre-AQ ones) are good but they require deep lore love.
Thomamelas on
0
FairchildRabbit used short words that were easy to understand, like "Hello Pooh, how about Lunch ?"Registered Userregular
Yeah, I just leveled a warlock 1-65, and I have been able to skip many zones completely.
Stranglethorn
Swamp of Sorrows
Badlands
Eastern Plaguelands
Searing Gorge
Burning Steppes
Winterspring (almost all of it anyways)
Un'Goro
You skipped Stranglethorn !!?? Holy Moley, I would never do that. There are more quests per square inch there than any zone outside of Hellfire Peninsula. I can't think of a better way to gain experience efficiently in your early 30's than by simultaneously doing the Raptor/Panther/Tigger hunter lines.
Well sure my /played will be much shorter if I can think ahead to what quests go where and which are the easier ones to do, but I'm not talking about /played. That is irrelevant to the actual number of quests/zones required for someone to hit 60, which is what I was saying has changed a lot and possibly for the worse. Edit: I suppose if new players entirely MISS certain quest hubs then that'd contribute to more 50+ quests needed.
But I agree, fuck Silithus. My paladin actually did go there briefly, to get mining to 290 and get the hell out, and I was ecstatic to think how I didn't need to actually stay there and do quests.
It is useful for gathering from the Twilight Hammer weenies that three tons of runecloth you will need to skill up First Aid in Hellfire Peninsula.
You skipped Stranglethorn !!?? Holy Moley, I would never do that. There are more quests per square inch there than any zone outside of Hellfire Peninsula. I can't think of a better way to gain experience efficiently in your early 30's than by simultaneously doing the Raptor/Panther/Tigger hunter lines.
Those really aren't that efficient. Raptors and panthers overlap once, and then all the rest I think are in different areas, with basically no other quests to do at the same time.
Septus on
PSN: Kurahoshi1
0
FairchildRabbit used short words that were easy to understand, like "Hello Pooh, how about Lunch ?"Registered Userregular
Well sure my /played will be much shorter if I can think ahead to what quests go where and which are the easier ones to do, but I'm not talking about /played. That is irrelevant to the actual number of quests/zones required for someone to hit 60, which is what I was saying has changed a lot and possibly for the worse. Edit: I suppose if new players entirely MISS certain quest hubs then that'd contribute to more 50+ quests needed.
But I agree, fuck Silithus. My paladin actually did go there briefly, to get mining to 290 and get the hell out, and I was ecstatic to think how I didn't need to actually stay there and do quests.
It is useful for gathering from the Twilight Hammer weenies that three tons of runecloth you will need to skill up First Aid in Hellfire Peninsula.
Quicker just to get your runecloth in Hellfire Peninsula.
Uh I had first aid leveled to 375 on my paladin as soon as she was high enough level to learn the 300+ books. Bubble + netherweave bandage = LOL.
riz on
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HalfmexI mock your value systemYou also appear foolish in the eyes of othersRegistered Userregular
edited April 2008
So, I'm halfway to Exalted with the SSO without ever having set foot in Magister's Terrace. That is the right way to do rep grinds, imo. Give me the chance to quest for it, not run the same instance ad nauseum (I'm looking at you, Thrallmar).
Oh god, the honour hold rep I still need on my paladin for the new shield spike, and in the vain hopes of seeing that fucking trinket! Graaaagh! I'd forgotten about that!
That said, I made out like a bandit on last week's karazhan clear, so I figure I can probably just carry entire stretches of hallway with me with a competant healer at this point.
Like, including bosses.
Forar on
First they came for the Muslims, and we said NOT TODAY, MOTHERFUCKER!
So, I'm halfway to Exalted with the SSO without ever having set foot in Magister's Terrace. That is the right way to do rep grinds, imo. Give me the chance to quest for it, not run the same instance ad nauseum (I'm looking at you, Thrallmar).
I concur. Been there only once and I should be exalted this weekend to get a new dps neck. Sure, it might have taken me longer to get there than the guildmates who ran that instance 5 times an hour, but I just feels better to solo quest for rep rather than instance grind with 4 other people.
I'll have to actually do some MrT for the trinkets though. -_-
Eri on
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HalfmexI mock your value systemYou also appear foolish in the eyes of othersRegistered Userregular
edited April 2008
Yeah, I've got to go in there at least once (HA, probably be closer to 30-40 times bare minimum) to get my Phoenix Hatchling.
Halfmex on
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ThomamelasOnly one man can kill this many Russians. Bring his guitar to me! Registered Userregular
Oh god, the honour hold rep I still need on my paladin for the new shield spike, and in the vain hopes of seeing that fucking trinket! Graaaagh! I'd forgotten about that!
That said, I made out like a bandit on last week's karazhan clear, so I figure I can probably just carry entire stretches of hallway with me with a competant healer at this point.
Like, including bosses.
Just don't pull all of the mortal strike guys at once and you'll be fine.
Oh god, the honour hold rep I still need on my paladin for the new shield spike, and in the vain hopes of seeing that fucking trinket! Graaaagh! I'd forgotten about that!
That said, I made out like a bandit on last week's karazhan clear, so I figure I can probably just carry entire stretches of hallway with me with a competant healer at this point.
Like, including bosses.
Just don't pull all of the mortal strike guys at once and you'll be fine.
Ignore this statement. It is urging you to unnecessary caution.
Man, the first time I went to heal heroic SH on my druid (my barely-Kara-geared-at-the-time druid), my tank pulled both of those groups, and I was going to KILL him if they didn't first. Fortunately I had had the foresight to bring our elemental shaman as DPS, knowing that he would start healing in a pinch, which he did, and we didn't wipe, but oh dear god the mortal strikes.
riz on
0
ThomamelasOnly one man can kill this many Russians. Bring his guitar to me! Registered Userregular
Oh god, the honour hold rep I still need on my paladin for the new shield spike, and in the vain hopes of seeing that fucking trinket! Graaaagh! I'd forgotten about that!
That said, I made out like a bandit on last week's karazhan clear, so I figure I can probably just carry entire stretches of hallway with me with a competant healer at this point.
Like, including bosses.
Just don't pull all of the mortal strike guys at once and you'll be fine.
Ignore this statement. It is urging you to unnecessary caution.
:winky:
There are limits to the insanity of a pull. Remember "Thou art Mortal".
Oh god, the honour hold rep I still need on my paladin for the new shield spike, and in the vain hopes of seeing that fucking trinket! Graaaagh! I'd forgotten about that!
That said, I made out like a bandit on last week's karazhan clear, so I figure I can probably just carry entire stretches of hallway with me with a competant healer at this point.
Like, including bosses.
Just don't pull all of the mortal strike guys at once and you'll be fine.
Ignore this statement. It is urging you to unnecessary caution.
:winky:
There are limits to the insanity of a pull. Remember "Thou art Mortal".
"...and thy healer wishes thee not to be a dick by pulling 8 MS mobs at one time."
iadrian on
Brawl: 2964-8274-9230
D/P: 2621-2512-5050
0
ThomamelasOnly one man can kill this many Russians. Bring his guitar to me! Registered Userregular
Oh god, the honour hold rep I still need on my paladin for the new shield spike, and in the vain hopes of seeing that fucking trinket! Graaaagh! I'd forgotten about that!
That said, I made out like a bandit on last week's karazhan clear, so I figure I can probably just carry entire stretches of hallway with me with a competant healer at this point.
Like, including bosses.
Just don't pull all of the mortal strike guys at once and you'll be fine.
Ignore this statement. It is urging you to unnecessary caution.
:winky:
There are limits to the insanity of a pull. Remember "Thou art Mortal".
"...and thy healer wishes thee not to be a dick by pulling 8 MS mobs at one time."
The major problem with those MS mobs is:
The MS debuff.
Keeping them away from your back.
Even on non-heroic grabbing too many of those MS warriors will get you killed.
Oh god, the honour hold rep I still need on my paladin for the new shield spike, and in the vain hopes of seeing that fucking trinket! Graaaagh! I'd forgotten about that!
That said, I made out like a bandit on last week's karazhan clear, so I figure I can probably just carry entire stretches of hallway with me with a competant healer at this point.
Like, including bosses.
Just don't pull all of the mortal strike guys at once and you'll be fine.
Ignore this statement. It is urging you to unnecessary caution.
:winky:
There are limits to the insanity of a pull. Remember "Thou art Mortal".
"...and thy healer wishes thee not to be a dick by pulling 8 MS mobs at one time."
The major problem with those MS mobs is:
The MS debuff.
Keeping them away from your back.
Even on non-heroic grabbing too many of those MS warriors will get you killed.
Hell, in Ramparts I didn't realize there were MS mobs, so was conserving mana as a healer, and then when my Flash Heal went off for about 500 I nearly paniced and started trying to spam Greater Heal.
Oh god, the honour hold rep I still need on my paladin for the new shield spike, and in the vain hopes of seeing that fucking trinket! Graaaagh! I'd forgotten about that!
That said, I made out like a bandit on last week's karazhan clear, so I figure I can probably just carry entire stretches of hallway with me with a competant healer at this point.
Like, including bosses.
Just don't pull all of the mortal strike guys at once and you'll be fine.
Ignore this statement. It is urging you to unnecessary caution.
:winky:
There are limits to the insanity of a pull. Remember "Thou art Mortal".
"...and thy healer wishes thee not to be a dick by pulling 8 MS mobs at one time."
The major problem with those MS mobs is:
The MS debuff.
Keeping them away from your back.
Even on non-heroic grabbing too many of those MS warriors will get you killed.
Very true. I've not tanked SH in a bit; I'd forgotten how damned hard it can be to get them in front of you. Being the only reliable prot pally (my alt now, no less) any of my friends know, I've come to greatly enjoy Shattered Halls. I won't touch Blood Furnace, though. Screw that.
Maybe he's remembering back when it used to be reeeaallly tough. I can't remember when it was fixed(or what was), but I remember it as being a no-go for pretty much anyone.
This reminds me, I really should get that timed trial out of the way on my paladin.
I need to do all 3 - I'll heal you!
This, of course, will be done after I get my mace and trinket from Heroic MrT
So I'm thinking maybe next year or so
/bitter
EDIT: Heroic Furnace used to be ugly with the felguards near the end who could berserk and drop aggro alot. They made them banishable at one point and I don't think they charge as much anymore.
This reminds me, I really should get that timed trial out of the way on my paladin.
I need to do all 3 - I'll heal you!
This, of course, will be done after I get my mace and trinket from Heroic MrT
So I'm thinking maybe next year or so
/bitter
EDIT: Heroic Furnace used to be ugly with the felguards near the end who could berserk and drop aggro alot. They made them banishable at one point and I don't think they charge as much anymore.
I think the Broggok fight also used to be much worse.
I'm not sure how it's helping new players catch up when it's increasing the time required to hit the level cap with each expansion. If anything, it's making it harder for new players to catch up.
The time, itself, isn't increased. 1-70 now is about on pace with how 1-60 was a couple years ago.
Perhaps (as a launch day player I still think it's somewhat longer), but even if that's the case, there's only so far you can take it, and Blizzard's already pretty much pushed "changing the level curve" nearly to its limit. They'll completely break the way the quests are set up and indirectly push players to skip content if they keep increasing experience rewards (or decrease experience requirements). They'll also destroy the sense of accomplishment you get from leveling up if they make leveling much faster. Furthermore, they'll make it even harder to make gold on the way up the levels (without gimping your exp gains), forcing lots of backloaded farming at max level just to get your mounts and other basic requirements. Finally, there was already little enough incentive to run instances on the way up the levels, even at launch; now, it's not only unnecessary, it's damned inefficient and basically just a waste of time. Even the gear isn't worth it since you know you'll be outgrowing it in just a few more hours of gameplay. I for one liked it when you had to actually set foot in instances to completely quest your way to the level cap.
I don't know, I just have a pet peeve against increasing the level cap and screwing with the leveling curve. I'll admit it. I hated it in past MMORPGs and I hate it now.
So lets go through it point by point:
Maxing the level curve limit: Not really. There is still alot of fat to be shaved there, the 40's are better but still slow.
"Skipping Content": It happens. Content has a shelf-date and it passes. But people will still encounter the neat parts.
Not enough gold: Trivial fix. Increase gold from quest rewards.
Out leveling gear: You'll out level it anyway.
Not going to instances: The issue with instances is not the poor quality or rewards but simply getting enough warm bodies to do it with. Raising the level cap doesn't change that at all.
These are somewhat fair points, but I think you're generally glossing over what I had to say; looking at the issues in a flippant way doesn't make them go away.
I was just wondering, have you leveled 1-69 lately? They really are near the limit of what can be done without pushing the character's level up too fast for the structure of the content and so forth. I mean, this is a game, it's structured in a certain way so that players go through it smoothly and encounter the right level of challenge.
Am I the only one who disagrees on this "content has a shelf date" thing? I don't see why it has to--did it suck in the first place? Then maybe it just sucks and should have been replaced from the beginning. But if it was ever good, it should still at least be good for newer players. And for me, even I've run, say, UBRS probably over 100 times, I'm still a bit sad that I'll probably never have a good reason to run it again. I think good content is good content. Did Super Mario Bros. go bad after a certain date, or is it still fun to play now?
Not enough gold--fair and conceded that they can just increase quest rewards.
Out-leveling gear isn't the main issue--gear, as well as the need for new content (as opposed to grinding to make up the difference), is an incentive to run instances. And yes, I do believe that people run instances on the way up less than they did before, and that it's fault of the new leveling curve. This results in people having less of a handle on their class at max level, and it's not a good thing.
OremLK on
My zombie survival life simulator They Don't Sleep is out now on Steam if you want to check it out.
0
FairchildRabbit used short words that were easy to understand, like "Hello Pooh, how about Lunch ?"Registered Userregular
edited April 2008
When part of TBC's appeal was the creation of new Draenei and BE start zones, with new low-level questing hubs, I think you have a point. Part of my reluctance to start yet another grind to 58 is that I'm bored, bored, bored with running the same quests for the 93rd time. I wouldn't mind seeing Blizzard "discover" another continent full for level 20-50 quests just to have new content, which would have the added benefit of being more questing efficient than some of the old Azeroth zones.
However, when faced with a choice between devoting time and money to a new level 80 addon or yet another level 35 questing zone, that's an easy choice for Blizzard to make.
Am I the only one who disagrees on this "content has a shelf date" thing? I don't see why it has to--did it suck in the first place? Then maybe it just sucks and should have been replaced from the beginning. But if it was ever good, it should still at least be good for newer players. And for me, even I've run, say, UBRS probably over 100 times, I'm still a bit sad that I'll probably never have a good reason to run it again. I think good content is good content. Did Super Mario Bros. go bad after a certain date, or is it still fun to play now?
When I first leveled a character, there were lots of other players leveling characters at the same time. I had the opportunity to run every instance (even uldaman) multiple times, I did quests with other people in the area. I had a great time with world pvp because there were... well. Other people.
I currently have a coworker leveling a priest at my request because my healers are all unreliable sons of bitches. All he can do is quest and grind. Quest and grind. There are no other players to run the good instances with, let alone piles of crap (like uldaman,) there is no world pvp, because the areas aren't packed enough anymore to make confrontation a requirement to claim enough mobs to level.
Ryokaze on
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HalfmexI mock your value systemYou also appear foolish in the eyes of othersRegistered Userregular
edited April 2008
What I really find, I guess perplexing, is what Blizzard plans to do five or six expansions from now when the entire planet is covered with "discovered" continents that are now wastelands. I mean, that's really the big problem with spitting out these 10-level subsections of the world with every expansion; eventually you have a huge amount of unpopulated land and the larger the stretch gets (1-80, then 1-90, then 1-100, ad infinitum), the less people are going to want to create an alt from scratch, which is sad, because I believe that that is where the bulk of the game's content and appeal truly lies. Sure, you can make the old content "fly by" with tweaks to experience gains and quest rewards, but eventually there'll be such a large gap of old, forgotten content to cover that new players either lose interest quickly or won't even bother.
I think a reboot needs to take place at some point, and it should be soon. Something that gives people a drive to pursue that 1-(x) run again. Something that capitalizes on all of the knowledge the devs have gained since the game's launch (in terms of quest design, itemization, etc).
Halfmex on
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ThomamelasOnly one man can kill this many Russians. Bring his guitar to me! Registered Userregular
These are somewhat fair points, but I think you're generally glossing over what I had to say; looking at the issues in a flippant way doesn't make them go away.
I was just wondering, have you leveled 1-69 lately? They really are near the limit of what can be done without pushing the character's level up too fast for the structure of the content and so forth. I mean, this is a game, it's structured in a certain way so that players go through it smoothly and encounter the right level of challenge.
Am I the only one who disagrees on this "content has a shelf date" thing? I don't see why it has to--did it suck in the first place? Then maybe it just sucks and should have been replaced from the beginning. But if it was ever good, it should still at least be good for newer players. And for me, even I've run, say, UBRS probably over 100 times, I'm still a bit sad that I'll probably never have a good reason to run it again. I think good content is good content. Did Super Mario Bros. go bad after a certain date, or is it still fun to play now?
Not enough gold--fair and conceded that they can just increase quest rewards.
Out-leveling gear isn't the main issue--gear, as well as the need for new content (as opposed to grinding to make up the difference), is an incentive to run instances. And yes, I do believe that people run instances on the way up less than they did before, and that it's fault of the new leveling curve. This results in people having less of a handle on their class at max level, and it's not a good thing.
Content has a shelf life. If it didn't then you wouldn't see expansions in MMORPGs. It's been true since Everquest. Any Dev that expects content to remain new and shinny forever is fooling themselves. The given time the community will simply grow sick of seeing certain zones. Deadmines is a brilliantly designed instance but I don't want to see it again. I've done it a hundred times and would like something new. That's the expectations the development team has and the player base expects. That does leave new players out in the cold but when they reach 70/80/infinity they can go back and still do that old content. Either helping someone's alt or on their own alt or soloing it.
To keep that Mario brother's idea going, if Nintendo had simply released minor changes to Mario 1, they would have gone out of business a long time ago.
And the reason that people do less instances is that it's harder to get a group. There is much, much more content for casual players which reduces the pressure to make alts, combined with the fact that right now there aren't a whole lot of new players per realm. Trying to put together group right now is harder.
Thomamelas on
0
FairchildRabbit used short words that were easy to understand, like "Hello Pooh, how about Lunch ?"Registered Userregular
edited April 2008
If you are hurrying to level 58, there is no NEED to run instances. None. My shaman didn't. Yes, you will be missing out on some good drops- especially Scarlet Monastery- but so what ? With the faster leveling mechanism you will outgrow those blues in a couple days anyway. Which is precisely Orem's complaint. Blizzard spent a bunch of much time and money on the instance content, why not give new players an incentive to run it ?
I have zero experience with other MMO's besides WOW, but I'd imagine that at some point- Level 100 ? - Blizzard will need to either re-design Azeroth or unilaterally decide that all new characters start at level 20.
Content has a shelf life. If it didn't then you wouldn't see expansions in MMORPGs. It's been true since Everquest. Any Dev that expects content to remain new and shinny forever is fooling themselves. The given time the community will simply grow sick of seeing certain zones. Deadmines is a brilliantly designed instance but I don't want to see it again. I've done it a hundred times and would like something new. That's the expectations the development team has and the player base expects. That does leave new players out in the cold but when they reach 70/80/infinity they can go back and still do that old content. Either helping someone's alt or on their own alt or soloing it.
To keep that Mario brother's idea going, if Nintendo had simply released minor changes to Mario 1, they would have gone out of business a long time ago.
And the reason that people do less instances is that it's harder to get a group. There is much, much more content for casual players which reduces the pressure to make alts, combined with the fact that right now there aren't a whole lot of new players per realm. Trying to put together group right now is harder.
I'm on an original release server- Bronzebeard- and I'd have to say that there is no shortage of low-level players running around Ironforge and Stormwind. Whether any of these guys make it past level 30 is another question.
What I really find, I guess perplexing, is what Blizzard plans to do five or six expansions from now when the entire planet is covered with "discovered" continents that are now wastelands. I mean, that's really the big problem with spitting out these 10-level subsections of the world with every expansion; eventually you have a huge amount of unpopulated land and the larger the stretch gets (1-80, then 1-90, then 1-100, ad infinitum), the less people are going to want to create an alt from scratch, which is sad, because I believe that that is where the bulk of the game's content and appeal truly lies. Sure, you can make the old content "fly by" with tweaks to experience gains and quest rewards, but eventually there'll be such a large gap of old, forgotten content to cover that new players either lose interest quickly or won't even bother.
I think a reboot needs to take place at some point, and it should be soon. Something that gives people a drive to pursue that 1-(x) run again. Something that capitalizes on all of the knowledge the devs have gained since the game's launch (in terms of quest design, itemization, etc).
Posts
Add to it the stupid insect druid spawns from hell and that trying to get out of combat in that zone is a huge PITA. The quests (even the pre-AQ ones) are good but they require deep lore love.
Those really aren't that efficient. Raptors and panthers overlap once, and then all the rest I think are in different areas, with basically no other quests to do at the same time.
Quicker just to get your runecloth in Hellfire Peninsula.
That said, I made out like a bandit on last week's karazhan clear, so I figure I can probably just carry entire stretches of hallway with me with a competant healer at this point.
Like, including bosses.
I concur. Been there only once and I should be exalted this weekend to get a new dps neck. Sure, it might have taken me longer to get there than the guildmates who ran that instance 5 times an hour, but I just feels better to solo quest for rep rather than instance grind with 4 other people.
I'll have to actually do some MrT for the trinkets though. -_-
Just don't pull all of the mortal strike guys at once and you'll be fine.
Ignore this statement. It is urging you to unnecessary caution.
:winky:
D/P: 2621-2512-5050
There are limits to the insanity of a pull. Remember "Thou art Mortal".
"...and thy healer wishes thee not to be a dick by pulling 8 MS mobs at one time."
D/P: 2621-2512-5050
The major problem with those MS mobs is:
The MS debuff.
Keeping them away from your back.
Even on non-heroic grabbing too many of those MS warriors will get you killed.
Hell, in Ramparts I didn't realize there were MS mobs, so was conserving mana as a healer, and then when my Flash Heal went off for about 500 I nearly paniced and started trying to spam Greater Heal.
Very true. I've not tanked SH in a bit; I'd forgotten how damned hard it can be to get them in front of you. Being the only reliable prot pally (my alt now, no less) any of my friends know, I've come to greatly enjoy Shattered Halls. I won't touch Blood Furnace, though. Screw that.
D/P: 2621-2512-5050
I need to do all 3 - I'll heal you!
Now Crypts...I know why I hate it. It's not possible for the reward to be worth the effort. That place just gives too little.
D/P: 2621-2512-5050
Maybe he's remembering back when it used to be reeeaallly tough. I can't remember when it was fixed(or what was), but I remember it as being a no-go for pretty much anyone.
This, of course, will be done after I get my mace and trinket from Heroic MrT
So I'm thinking maybe next year or so
/bitter
EDIT: Heroic Furnace used to be ugly with the felguards near the end who could berserk and drop aggro alot. They made them banishable at one point and I don't think they charge as much anymore.
I think the Broggok fight also used to be much worse.
Let's be friends.
Are you around Sunday or possibly late Saturday to snap something together?
Yes / No?
These are somewhat fair points, but I think you're generally glossing over what I had to say; looking at the issues in a flippant way doesn't make them go away.
I was just wondering, have you leveled 1-69 lately? They really are near the limit of what can be done without pushing the character's level up too fast for the structure of the content and so forth. I mean, this is a game, it's structured in a certain way so that players go through it smoothly and encounter the right level of challenge.
Am I the only one who disagrees on this "content has a shelf date" thing? I don't see why it has to--did it suck in the first place? Then maybe it just sucks and should have been replaced from the beginning. But if it was ever good, it should still at least be good for newer players. And for me, even I've run, say, UBRS probably over 100 times, I'm still a bit sad that I'll probably never have a good reason to run it again. I think good content is good content. Did Super Mario Bros. go bad after a certain date, or is it still fun to play now?
Not enough gold--fair and conceded that they can just increase quest rewards.
Out-leveling gear isn't the main issue--gear, as well as the need for new content (as opposed to grinding to make up the difference), is an incentive to run instances. And yes, I do believe that people run instances on the way up less than they did before, and that it's fault of the new leveling curve. This results in people having less of a handle on their class at max level, and it's not a good thing.
However, when faced with a choice between devoting time and money to a new level 80 addon or yet another level 35 questing zone, that's an easy choice for Blizzard to make.
When I first leveled a character, there were lots of other players leveling characters at the same time. I had the opportunity to run every instance (even uldaman) multiple times, I did quests with other people in the area. I had a great time with world pvp because there were... well. Other people.
I currently have a coworker leveling a priest at my request because my healers are all unreliable sons of bitches. All he can do is quest and grind. Quest and grind. There are no other players to run the good instances with, let alone piles of crap (like uldaman,) there is no world pvp, because the areas aren't packed enough anymore to make confrontation a requirement to claim enough mobs to level.
I think a reboot needs to take place at some point, and it should be soon. Something that gives people a drive to pursue that 1-(x) run again. Something that capitalizes on all of the knowledge the devs have gained since the game's launch (in terms of quest design, itemization, etc).
Content has a shelf life. If it didn't then you wouldn't see expansions in MMORPGs. It's been true since Everquest. Any Dev that expects content to remain new and shinny forever is fooling themselves. The given time the community will simply grow sick of seeing certain zones. Deadmines is a brilliantly designed instance but I don't want to see it again. I've done it a hundred times and would like something new. That's the expectations the development team has and the player base expects. That does leave new players out in the cold but when they reach 70/80/infinity they can go back and still do that old content. Either helping someone's alt or on their own alt or soloing it.
To keep that Mario brother's idea going, if Nintendo had simply released minor changes to Mario 1, they would have gone out of business a long time ago.
And the reason that people do less instances is that it's harder to get a group. There is much, much more content for casual players which reduces the pressure to make alts, combined with the fact that right now there aren't a whole lot of new players per realm. Trying to put together group right now is harder.
I have zero experience with other MMO's besides WOW, but I'd imagine that at some point- Level 100 ? - Blizzard will need to either re-design Azeroth or unilaterally decide that all new characters start at level 20.
WoW2