Subs started to decline around the time that cross realm dungeon finder was introduced. I’m pretty sure that was closer to 2010 during WotLK
Well, that’s who it’s accommodating. If your mind is set on playing for months, are 1 hour queues for a few days really going to drive you away? Of course not - but if you’re just there to check the game out, then queues certainly would. Layering lets those people have their quick fun