While it may be nice if they could have another way it won't ever happen I'm actually in favor of the lock out since it will limit rmt activity in the new zones some may say it won't stop them but by locking the expansion behind the story they have set up a road block that will impede their progress and hopefully get them out of this game actually I hope they add new crystals and shards to the new zones that will be needed for level 50-60 crafting that can only be gathered in those zones so to add another road block for them.