Jumping is coming in 2.0. This thread was made under the idea that jumping would have no effect on the gameplay, but sense that time, information has been revealed to show that the world is being designed with a jumping mechanic in mind, so the toggle subject is no longer a valid mechanic to consider for it.

Now then, just because they're adding it dosn't mean it's nessisary for every game. XI is still fun to explore without it. Zelda has made do with auto jumping for years. Most regular RPG's do great without it. It's not nessisarily something required to make a game enjoyable. Can it add another dimention of exploration to a game? Sure, as long as it's designed with it in concept. Can a world be designed for fantastic exploration without jumping? The Dragon Quest seies is testament to that.
It's not a linear progression, it's a design choice.