My point is the tough raids were never looming in the distance for me. Even when I started hearing names like Naxx or AQ40, or seeing people with cool, even legendary weapons, I didn't really understand about it all... I didn't really get that deep into it until ICC.
I didn't play to raid. I just played.
And I find it hard to believe I was the only one out of the millions who played.
Sure, raids can be a motivator, but it's not the only thing that brings people to the game and keeps them there.