Renown is probably the least intrusive grind I’ve encountered in mmo or mmo-like games (assuming you discovered everything and got lilith statues). If you did dungeons and a few quests while leveling, you’d be mostly done with renown.
However, that doesn’t mean how renown is implemented is good. I hope in future seasons they offer more ways to get renown and have better seasonal rewards for doing various activities in game.
On the one hand, I understand why people want the renown grind removed, but on the other hand, it’s something you can do while leveling. Your other alternative to leveling is to farm strongholds over and over again.