"Legacy" PvP Mode for Pre-7.1
Im assuming the priority for 7.1 PvP is to appeal to the playerbase that spends the most, over their lifetime of play. Regardless of what we think, the goal is to maximize income, so whoever this update appeals to is the target audience (and regardless of the success of the update as well).
Best solution at this point is to offer an alternate NO reward PvP with NO incentive to play, a revert to pre-7.1. I guess exp/tomes rewards are OK for a mode like that (at MOST), but NO exclusive rewards whatsoever. No glam, no mount, no minion, no accessory, no title. Nothing to take away from the main modes.
Target audience no longer has a reason to complain with these changes, as most people in frontline are queing for rewards/exp anyway. If a mish mash of ability dump and damage pad makes them happy so be it. One alternate mode (frontline or cc I'll take what I can get I don't care, it'd likely be a legacy casual cc) won't strain or kill server/cost wise.
Just give us a "legacy" mode for pvp pre-7.1, and of course, no ranked for it.
All the target audience players are happy grinding for their rewards, all the people who enjoy pre-7.1 pvp get their old game mode back. The target audience no longer has to engage with a game mode not made for them to get their rewards.
I'll take this as a final consolation prize, square. Its not just about winning, its about the gameplay experience. Of course, that's assuming Square cares (their oversight indicates otherwise).
Square may know all of this too, but force people to play the new PvP anyway to keep the target audience happy.
i.e, cramming everyone into PvP the way it is now might be more convenient to player retention as opposed to giving people what they want through a legacy/alternate mode.
If you're adapting well to the new changes and, more importantly, having fun, good for you. This thread isn't to insist on any changes to your enjoyed experience. Its to give a tiny corner to the people who have had theirs ruined.