I come from FFXI where a death cost you exp and enough exp loss cost you levels. So, losing mettle is nothing new for SE. They brought it back in Eureka and not at all surprised it's a thing in Bozja and DR.

As for the raid itself, I loved it. I'm a very anxious raider. I really do hate doing new raid content without a friend in VC with me. (Call me a snowflake, or whatever, I don't care.) But none of my friends are Rank 10 and able to unlock this raid, and I am desperate for the new hairstyle. So I went in on my own. I'm a slow learner, but by my 7th run I was doing the fights with no deaths in most cases. And the times I did die, I was kicking myself because I KNEW the mechanic, I just mixed something up and paid the price.

I'm glad they added the quest to incentivize going back in weekly. Hopefully the hairstyle, mount, and any other rare drops will keep people coming back (along with the silver coins). I can't say for sure, but I hope so. Either way, I love the content, and can't wait to get back in there tonight after work.