This was only a shortcut. You could get to any of the main zones on the ground (I do not know about dealing with Ogerilla, but I do know the bombing runs would have been a no-go). Tempest Keep associated dungeons did require it. Netherwing and Shatterath Skygard did too in order to do the dailies and farm rep. However they were both also totally optional content, and for flying mounts themselves.
Just pointing something out, i’m not giving flying a thumbs up or down here.
I don’t agree. I get it, lots of people love classic. But getting my warlock to 18 was enough for me to realize how much I hated walking simulators and just wanted to get back to the skies.
This is quite obviously subjective though. I personally prefer the game without people zipping about in the air.
…than the idea of the TBC server… which also had flying.
I don’t understand the argument either that people supposedly just want flying because it’s “convienent”. Portals are convienent. I don’t think anyone would call them “fun”. Having a portable anvil is convienent for blacksmiths. Are they fun? I doubt it. Flying is FUN. Flying mounts are FUN. Stubbornness and misplaced pride is the only reason to keep implementing pathfinder over and over.
The problem is what is “fun” is subjective. I don’t see any fun in flight. It’s no more fun mechanically then any other mode of travel. It has some initial novelty, once you can see the world from a new angle, but after that I’d hardly call it ‘fun’.
Seconded. Never since I ground out my first fast flier in BC did I ever feel like that gameplay was a hindrance. They literally created a problem that no one actually had but maybe a few pvpers, and honestly they don’t care about them either. 
Pathfinder is a slow everyone down mechanic. Nothing more, nothing less. Has nothing to do with the made up reasons the forum lurkers like to spew. Also a cost saving measure on their part. They don’t have to create a world to make flying useful. Some of the forum lurkers like to use the lazy word for players who don’t like a feature they enjoy locked behind irrelevant factions that have nothing to do with flight, and that is understandable. Imo it is more lazy that the devs refuse to make content that incorporates flight, making it useful like in TBC, and wolk. Btw still waiting on that epic questline to unlock flight like you mentioned in that polygon interview a few years back Ion. Because grinding rep with irrelevant faction number whatever is not very epic lol.
They won’t change it because seemingly the LOUD minority is outweighed by the majority that just ‘‘deal with it’’ and move along. Nothing will change I believe. But yes they did fail horribly in not embracing flying. It could of easily added another dimension to the World.
As a proponent to the “no flying” side, this is something I could also get behind. If flying was fully embraced and had other dimensions to it (strengths, weaknesses, & threats) plus some additional content, I’d be convinced to switch sides.
But in it’s current form, I think flying is nothing more than a quicker means to enjoyment burnout. Even the most threatening areas (PvE and PvP) can be negated with flying… strategizing how to get somewhere was a real part of the pre-flying experience.
Seeing as the same rotating cast of anti-flying zealots seem to hang around on the forums 24/7 just to be the first one to reply to any post remotely critical of Pathfinder with “you’re just lazy and entitled and want everything handed to you for free!!!111” somehow I’m not feeling too guilty about it. Turnabout is fair play.
This is the only thing I agree with you on, the art team did a good job, the aerial views are outstanding!
You clearly play a different game than I do. I see like one guy a day who hasn’t unlocked flying and seems like he hates his life as he tries to get quests done. Dozens upon dozens flying everywhere.
There was also a time when flying wasn’t a thing at all and that worked for everyone and it worked well.
You can’t cherry pick the past for your justification.
It definitely is unprofessional. Seems like they care more about winning the argument with their customers than adjusting their product based on feedback.
As someone who manages clients professionally, if I or someone like me displayed the attitude that Blizzard’s developers do we would be fired on the spot.
Speaks volumes about the culture at Blizzard that not only are they still employed, but seem to be getting promoted.
Just leave flying on pve mode and take it off warmode
Problem solved
If you don’t like flying, don’t fly. If you hate other people flying, then don’t look. If you can’t avoid seeing flying mounts, then play the game for yourself and not for others. If other people flying “takes your fun away”, you’re giving the power of fun to other people who are minding their own business.
Flying is convenient and allows all art to be seen on our own accord. It was great when it was locked behind just gold (Bc/WOTLK). Now it’s a damn chore to get pathfinder, let alone pathfinder 2. We earn it to fly… to do the same damn things we have already been doing; dailies. WQ. “Now you get to the chore locations faster”.
What makes it painful and a chore-type of achievement? The rep grinds.
Solution: Reduce the required level or take away the rep grind behind pathfinder entirely. Explore the land in the zones. Rep rewards are underwhelming as is.
Nothing wrong with flying, you just don’t like how you unlock it.
Also, who the hell is Preach and why does he matter?
Well you do have the option of just staying on the ground if that’s what you find fun. Flying is fun for many of us.
Thank god Blizzard doesn’t listen to youtubers.