no, that's not the game's fault. That's gamers being obstinate and unwilling to play the game they've been given, while instead, wanting one they've already played. When seated at a chess board, I'm not going to complain about a lack of dice. When people come to Guild Wars 2, that's the game they've being offered. Stop asking for something else.

I haven't come across a game that provides more avenues for leveling -- ever.

The problem here lies with the inability of players to adjust to a new style of play. And no, that's not the game's fault. That's gamers being obstinate and unwilling to play the game they've been given, while instead, wanting one they've already played. When seated at a chess board, I'm not going to complain about a lack of dice. When people come to Guild Wars 2, that's the game they've being offered. Stop asking for something else.

Some will argue that the hearts are too prominent and that they force people along a linear leveling path. Stuff and nonsense. There are many indications that events are triggering around players, including updated event log, bright orange circles on the minimap, and prominent text displayed right in the center of the screen. All this is accompanied by an audible chime. Resources are also displayed on the minimap, all of which provide still more XP. Finally, the personal story is always available and the next step to completing it is always displayed on the event log. The green starbursts on the map pointing the way, make it almost too easy.

If folks choose not to take advantage of those leveling options, they have themselves to blame. And if they don't like those options, tough. That's what the game is about. But to say that these leveling paths aren't clear enough is just bogus. The indications are everywhere. Exercise some personal accountability and learn to play.

Problem is without doing WvWvW, or going to things like other race's starting zones you need to be lucky with the RNG of the leveling experience. The Dynamic events are random, so your mileage will vary on how your level to your area is. If you make it possible to "100%" an area people assume you've completed the area enough to move on, and that's not always the case.

One of the things I learned after completing two full maps (all waypoints, hearts, poi, and vistas) is that each of the heart quest givers is also a Karma gear vendor. If you buy the karma gear as you complete each heart, then you will be better equipped for the next map. Also, you can gather resources as soon as you purchase the tools, and you receive experience for gathering resources as well. This game is a perfect example of the old saying "you get back what you put in."