CLL and Dalriada are the only things that proved both 1) popular and 2) engaging in the whole history of field exploratory content. BA only satisfied to 2), and for Forked, while certainly not satisfying to 1) either, remains to be seen about 2).
Everything else has always been gated behind boring grindfiestas no matter the iteration just to access the actual good parts. The way this game is often designed is like players shouldn't have too much fun. Just a little is enough.