The textures are ugly on just about anyone if you zoom in close enough.

They're reverting the greed only rule.

And if you find the story disengaging, that's on you. Stories have their ups and down. Heavensward was quite honestly one of the best story experiences I have had in a game. As much I would like SB to reach up to it, that is unreasonable. That said, 4.3 had a pretty wonderful storyline overall, with a satisfying conclusion for one of my favorite villains. 4.1 and 4.2 had their moments too.

I understand not liking it as much as HW, but the Doma side of the story was some pretty tightly written stuff. I have many problems with the Ala Mhgian side, but if I skipped all of it I wouldn't be able to truly comment on its quality. It can be frustrating, sure, but you take the good with the bad with these type of stories, because you'll miss some absolutely wonderful story telling if you give up on the story because it hit a low.