MSQ

[Arkevorkhat]

Having done MSQ at least three times, twice pre and once post patch changes, i found the ARR setup well paced and enjoyable. What you dismiss as "filler" has important elements that cant and should not be skipped as unimportant sidequests

The leadup to Heavensward, the missions prior to Stormblood are essential for the integrity of the entire experience, the msq prior to Shadowbringers should not be missed under any circumstances as it is essential for the storyline

Curious: What do you see as "filler'?

I'm curious what you define as essential.
I ran through ARR for the first time the day patch 5.3 dropped, and there were dozens of main story quests in A Realm Reborn alone that felt entirely gratuitous. Like watching a half-naked Roegadyn grovel at my feet for something he did some 40 quests prior. Or the many quests where I am a glorified courier, taking items to people who I never speak to again in MSQ nor Side Quests.

Or how about Thousand Maws of Toto-Rak, Cutters' Cry, Aurum Vale, and Dzemael Darkhold? Four dungeons that are required for character progression in some way or another during A Realm Reborn, and are among the most reviled duties in this entire game. Oh, and those four duties were also pulled forward from the abject failure that was 1.0.