1 step back 100 steps forward

[Ri_ri]

Sounds more like one step back, two steps forward to me.

Every odd number (2.1, 2.3, 2.5...) will bring content with inferior difficulty and gear than the last, but even more restricted.
Every even number (2.0, 2.2, 2.4...) will bring content with "regular" difficulty, but made nearly impossible because it came earlier and created a gear gap.

Hardcores are forced to stay because thanks to the gear gap, they need the Myth gear for the last boss (which, obviously, is restricted)

Casuals are forced to stay because they can't do anything in Coil, and Crystal Tower/new primals gear is even more restricted.

That is, if they don't give up and go to a game with a normal progression.

How is it more restrictive when you can run CT anytime you want? ( Helping others get their first piece of gear etc).

I meant in terms of progression. It's faster to get gear from Myth and the harder content than the Crystal Tower.