Let's face it - the story isn't going to make anyone a veteran. Just look at how many people whined who couldn't clear steps of faith. These players aren't going to become vets because of story / blocked progression. They need it to be simple enough to clear it so they can experience the game too.

With any luck we'll see some fun optional challenging content in HW with rewards to match. But let's not mix story in as a reward. Players ecpect to see the whole story, that much I can appreciate.