Haven’t read most of the thread, but in regards to instant transportation affecting my immersion, it depends.


If it’s to a location I’ve been before or go frequently, then no. I chalk it up as “tuning out during the commute.”
FFXI commute has cost me many parties and if anything, that ruins my immersion, because I lost a chance to play with others.


From, “Sorry, died on the way there. You’ll have to wait longer.” “We have to break camp to get her, oh wait, since we’re at the entrance, I’m calling it a night/need to sell anyway/rearrange my mog house” “Oh that’s too far, we’re only going to be here another hour.”



Instant transportation is a price I’m willing to pay (or benefit from) to have more time spent with others than wishing there were a better way to get to point A to B.