Even zone design and traversal is formulaic

[Gwenkatsu]

Did it start in Endwalker? Zone design and traversal is:
Zone 1A - explore lower area, then go to Zone 2. (Only 50% aether current)
Zone 2A - explore lower area, then go to Zone 1 again. (only 50% aether current)
Zone 1B - explore higher altitude area, then flying unlocked
Zone 2B - explore higher altitude area; then flying unlocked

Endwalker in fact was:
1A
2A
3
4
2B
1B
Plus 1A and 2A in EW were the higher area, while 1B and 2B were lower. It think that was a nice change of pace, and a lot of surprise to me.

Just kidding you, personally I can't stand it when they split the zones in 2. When I start a zone, I want to end it, then continue on. But that's just me, I guess.