Well said, I too am looking forward for the re-design, everything that was old will be new again.

But I do want to point out some terminology.

The "zones" you are referring to are really "regions" as in the different regions in XI. Each region has several zones in it. (Black brush, Dry bone, horizon)... If you look at the map, you can see different colorization of the zones (I named their camps because it's easier that way).

The issue is each zone in a region looks the same, so I'm hoping that we will see the different zones in each region take on a life of their own. Would love to see an oasis out in the desert.

But all in all, I think you hit it on the head, there is lots of things they can do, don't know where it's on the list, but it's sure to be exciting.