I personally think its more enjoyable the way it is now. I remember back around launch it use to be so annoying having to fight your way through countless mobs to get to and from missions, healing after every pull, trying not to pull to many, and having to do every single quest you come by just to level up.
My first toon it took me a month to max level as the grind at launch was long. I do have fond memories of some of the quests around the world, but its still better now.