Since when are we humans only alive for two years? He may have spend a lot of time on this mount, but for sure not his life.
History has also shown that people who are willing to invest heavily on something, will have more success in life later on, than those who refuse to invest time into stuff out of fear.
Who knows, you may just be talking to a future congress member, or leader of a global bank. While I would never grind the gold myself, I believe that the OP has shown that he is capable of working towards his goals and that is never a “wasted life”, but a benefit for his future.
I don´t even want to know what Einstein did as a child, maybe he did look into the sky for months. What some may feel was a wasted time back then, did in the end make him a scientist, that people will still speak about just like with Napoleon, Columbus or Hannibal.
@ topic
I do believe that the days are over, when ingame achievements meant something or were a “status” symbol. At one point, things will come back, the anniversary event is the best example for that. Do I like that? No, I don´t, but I doubt we can change the path WOW has taken.
I would not be suprised if at one point, a mobil AH toy is introduced to the game and when mage tower & Co. come back as well.
And if we look even further into the future, who knows if WOW is still online in 10 years. Try to enjoy the moment, enjoy what´s there now and don´t worry about others having that tomorrow.