How it used to be...

[Kaethra]

Probably because the design of those MMOs is increasingly focused on endgame, often to the neglect or even minor disruption of everything prior?

You mind telling me which MMO focuses on endgame primarily? The only one I know of is 20 years old.

All of the modern MMOs in the last 15 years focus over 80% of their time with questing, leveling, and lore content. Aka solo player content. Even FFXIV does this.