Hi Shosa, Mantastic,

Totally agree.

It's very clear that SE added this system as a Time Sink... IMHO, to buy them time before 1.20 hits.

The Beastmen Fortresses (Strongholds) are a fun diversion for a bit, and a good EXP place as well. They could have easily implemented some of the ideas you mention, but seeing Ifrit's broken loot system and the Beastmen Fortress Chest Key System / Rarity, they're definitely Time Sinks.

It certainly is keeping some people busy that want to try this, but after a while, it becomes old, really fast.

Here's to hoping they remove some of the bad Time Sink factors when more content comes online.