To me it seemed like a missed opportunity to bring back SRL, this way we actually could have "games". Implementing bounties that require to complete bounties isn't really a good incentive. Eva even said that she realizes the threat of the Allmighty, but we shouldn't forget to have fun. But there was no fun in the chase.

I guess the idea behind this was to make players participate in activities together to collect Laurels etc., but since it was just stuff we knew or didn't enjoy, a better idea for next time could be to mix things up a little. Make a crazy new Gambit Mode with modifiers and less frequent invasion portals (or even more if you like crazy), make a Legendary Forge, just DON'T make the player repeat the usual stuff over and over again.

I don't mind the grind at all, but many players didn't get their Heir Apparent because they simply didn't enjoy the sheer amount of grinding needed. And frankly, I don't blame them, especially not if they can get it in a random exotic drop later on.

TL;DR: Value player time more, mix things up a little, make our choice (of Guardian class) more meaningful.