Has it always been like this or...?

[Bodicca]

Nice idea in theory. However that theory won't change new players being driven away from the game by the rather awful experience of having the final step of the Main Scenario of 2.0 ruined and generally being badmouthed. I've seen this happen. That's bad for the game.

Indeed. Who at SE thought this was a good idea??? Cut scenes at the end? Sure. Cut scenes at the beginning? Maybe. But cut scenes at the end of every little encounter and during some?? Really?