That's a very Hydaelyn way to do things!
Jokes aside, I kind of understand where you come from...It's true that neighbourhood was a great and fun idea on paper, but the reality stands that there's seldom a rat in wards. I've personally never seen my neighbours. Also, as someone that loves visiting people's houses, rarely seen anyone in those wards either.
However, the housing system has been there for almost a decade now, so it's here to stay. They can't decently scrap it off like that, it would very much tear the player base apart. It's not nearly a sound approach. If we were still within the first 3months of implementation that might have been a possible way, but after years it's not even a possible thought.