Aether currents as they are now are just a time-wasting formality. Not bad enough to be a big deal, but pointless beyond the fact that they force exploration.

It's not a big deal. They're fat that could be trimmed at no loss other than a few whiny babies complaining about making the game easier or some stupid shit like that, but inoffensive enough to not really need removing. It's also nice to explore areas we'll otherwise have no need to go back to.