Fun. That is what makes or breaks a MMO. WoW is a lot less fun than it used to be. It’s been going down the wrong path for a while and this expansion is no exception. If Shadowlands continues down that path then you will see a continued decline in subs. This isn’t fun anymore, mostly it’s annoying chores, grinds with no end or no reason to be, and roadblocks at every turn.
Blizz seems to have forgotten that most people play to escape the drudgery of their everyday lives. We sure as hell don’t want that same drudgery in our escape (games). If this is all WoW is going to offer then we will find a game that fits our needs since WoW will not anymore.