Fumbles wrote:This isn't freedom. Its a list of chores. I can understand the old way being too easy and the devs not wanting the content done is (X) days but player retention should be earned through new content/features, not forcing a list of instructions that must be followed to further progression.
You mean like D2 acts that "remove" freedom?

Or waypoints/areas which are "forced" upon you in order? You know order-less has always only been a Median component and only a result of not being able to create more acts? What a big crime it is to force leveling to unlock content (how skills, gear and everything works), adding order to streamline progression and prevent abuse.
Sure, getting tcowed on assassin, making budget gear to farm about 50% of endgame bosses which can be done so gearless, selling hundreds of void charms on day 1, re-invest into expensive gear and look, the most efficient way to beat the game is by not playing it. Sounds really sane, sustainable and the way to move forward, being rewarded the most for playing the least.
By your post it seems you don't like rpg at all - maybe open world games is what you'd be looking for if you're all that about freedom.
edit: while I think exping after 130 can be improved upon, as well as certain leveling gaps previous to it, there was a lot of positive feedback regarding new leveling system just like there was tcowers who want abusable powerleveling method back. Just because you're loud and emotional doesn't make you the majority.