Quote Originally Posted by Whocareswhatmynameis View Post
No it didn't. FFXI took an enormous time commitment, WoW took 2 weeks.
That's exactly what I'm saying. WoW's explosive popularity stemmed from its accessibility, not a long grind. It toppled grindier games EQ, DAoC, and FFXI in an instant.

If you don't like your games to be more accessible, that's fine, but it's incorrect to say that most people prefer the grind when history shows otherwise. The facts support the OP's claim that the game would be more successful and sustainable with less grind. Players who prefer more grind should seek out a title aimed at that niche audience, of which there are plenty (but they don't tend to do too well, financially).