Two things I got from this. The less serious fact first.
A.) Us RPers enjoy raiding, too. :c
B.) Patience IS a virtue, but the problem when it comes to this is that in works well in the real world where you must put forth the energy and effort. In a game? Not so much. Just a few keyboard tik taks and a mouse click here and there and you're set.
Now it's quite true that you were speaking to me, an Ex-WoW player who has other duties in Real Life to attend to. Thing is, it took me a year and a half in WOTLK to just level to 80. Why? Because I bide my time. My current highest level character is a level 16 Bounty Hunter and I've had this game since launch. So, that's the 2.5 weeks we're talking about.
Now it may be because I'm an RPer as well, and at times, take breaks to enjoy the scenery, Role Play with the community, and roll alts like there's no tomorrow.
Am I saying RP is the best way to keep a steady pace? Nah. Put me in Skyrim and I'd speed play that game in a day if I was allowed. But that's just me.
Going back to the original point B, I think you're right on that. But perhaps, just maybe, all that time in WoW has finally be spent and we're all burned out for our final time.