I'm on the opposite side of the fence, myself. I loved that quest for many reasons. I was entirely focused on story and not gameplay mechanics at that point, so I enjoyed feeling what the people of Garlemald felt, why they were so afraid to go out on their own, or engage the haywire magiteks - they're not the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, nor are they the Warrior of Light, so they're forced to hide and avoid danger as much as they can.

I want more perspective altering content like this, it was a welcome route, in my opinion.