Linear, linear, linear

[R041]

But, what was actually lost, unless one considers any additional time taken in traversing the terrain as an absolute downside?

Even at the worst count, HW+ zones have (at least) as many features per zone as do ARR zones. They just also happen to have more space between them, which can come with advantages is building an aesthetic and making the zone seem more realistic.

The easiest answer to that is density allows more casual player interaction. The second obvious one is you no longer appreciate the environment because you're always flying around.

I've made more friends from casually doing things in open world ARR than in HW-EW.

I think ARR had better overall player distribution through the world, where everything HW+ was just linear with almost no backtracking the whole way.

Also real doesn't equate fun. Never has. It was done just to satiate flying as a mechanic, and probably even reduce server resource load by limiting the amount of passive player interaction.