I did feel that western Amh Araeng, Rak'tika, and the last areas first part was a bit drawn out and / or fillery, but overall I'd say it wasn't as bad as the OP makes it out to be.

For me it had to do with the local population being... rather boring compared to the others, but we've had enough character interractions / drama / development that it made it passable. And they usually led to some good highs in the story.