Well... I played version 1.0 for only a short while, and only from the Lominsan perspective, so I can't claim to know much about the original story. Not that it actually matters much, because ARR is meant to be a complete reboot. The references are meant mainly to be a nod to players of the original version.

What does amuse me about the Ul'dahn storyline, however, is Thancred's crush on F'lhaminn, considering how much older than him she probably is. I mean, she's a total milf, no doubt about that, but still... >.>