People like claim wars, it's a pretty enjoyable form of competition...
Really, i dont have anything against that people have fun with claim"wars".
I fail to see in which way it should be a "competition".
Skill doesnt really matter, its more the luck factor off standing near the spawn but more importantly the ping.(at least with current Server)
Well dont take it the wrong way, if you believe its a form of competition i dont want to proof you or anyone wrong or something. (fun is the important thing)

But that is why we need both in the same amount.
Some People love Open World Content with Claimwars e.t.c and some just dont have the time or intention to camp and claim against other people.
Instances are Imprortant just like Open World...having everything instanced will result in having a dead world and then we could also play the Game simply in a chat room/Lobby because we practically dont need a World.