I didn't read past the OP but endgame is worst now then 2.x unless there is a huge spoiler coming with savage.

Watching BG fight twin, Nael before everyone was cool. Seeing Phoenix and bahamut for the first time was awesome.

Alexander is meh and we already know what's coming. Nothing exciting or gated. It's going to be the same 4 uninspired fights with a few FU mechanics thrown in. Unless Tiamat comes plunging through the room in A4 savage this will be the worst endgame raid yet in terms of hype and lore.