Forcing players through MSQ content makes it un fun.

[Cooperal]

Well the statement of that the thread title makes is subjective. So let's get that out the way. And just for safety reasons, let's also remind people that the following are also my opinons.

I think the story-locked content is a positive for both the new and veteran end of the spectrum. If HW content was available from the start, it would seem like there was a far greater pay-wall for newcomers.
As it stands, new players can get a 14 day free trial, and by paying the initial £10 (or equivalents) they can get an extra free 30 days, totalling to 44 free days. Now that's not just a fair, but great deal. You won't have this minority of newcomers shovelling money from the get-go because all of their interest is invested in one of the new classes. Instead those people will either diverse their classes first or not play at all, which is great for existing players.

Additionally, the story itself can be largely ignored in terms of dialogue. It guides you to where you should be at that level. It's free help and EXP. It's hard to find a reason to ignore it at any point bar endgame for the simple fact that it's either following you or pointing for you.

Then there's the other thing. Story-locked content has been in the game the entire time, not just just when HW was introduced. It wasn't much of a complaint prior to then. Mounts, dungeons, trials, and all the gear that came with them. And it gave it out in spades. There's already a ton to do before you're even ready for Heavensward.

And then we have presentation. There are many points in MMO history where games have thrived off their slow pace by means of appreciation rather than simple bait. For example, Guild War 2 doesn't have mounts at all for a similar reason to why HW doesn't let you fly immediately. Because you simply won't appreciate the combination of size and detail of the places that the developers have crafted unless you turn over most stones on foot first. And likewise if you had seen how the story of 2.55 rolls out, you would understand how your first steps into Ishgard feel that much more special. Not only does it fit strongly into the story, but it's something you've been working toward and you finally get it. To add to that, Ishgard doesn't offer any pre-endgame utilities that the other cities don't.

If not for the content that lies beyond 50, you quite literally have nothing to do there. It's respectful to newcomers if anything. If they are not sure that they're in it for the long haul, they can just not invest that extra £30 or so. That could be significant for a student, and I have no doubt that there are a large number of students among the audience.