I felt a connection and attachment to something more, something greater than simply being a tauren druid or a pandaren monk or a nightborne mage. A unique path, a special identity, a story, representing something specific in the game and world, is an rpg element we don't see and one that I felt was strong and defining. I can still pretend I am more dedicated and loyal and so on, but the fact that game doesn't require it anymore, is kind of sad.
I still feel shaman should be horde and paladins should be alliance, because of the aesthetics and so on. There's something special about traditions, ideals, beliefs, heritages, histories, affinities, adeptnesses, customs, food, music, clothing style, architecture, tribes clans, peoples, kingdoms, bases, alliance, horde, and so on, identity and belonging, being linked to specifics. I don't consider these things restrictions, I consider them homes. The more our individual an rpg elements blur and become meaningless, the worse I think for wow's health, appeal, and longevity.
Not long from now, people will wish we had a path(s) that we choose that we can carve out our own place in the world and further enrich out character and story with. Which is what I thought they were doing with this type of alignment. I felt the choice was meaningful and personal, and special. I think in the future when people request a way to progress their character and represent something that other people don't, such as this one, the developers might think well they tried and people whined, didn't appreciate that kind of path.
I think it's cool to look at another character and know they're representing this or that based on the armor they choose to wear, such as covenant-specific pieces, but now anyone can where anything and nothing matters or has any deeper meaning or importance. I consider that sad and a loss for the game, world, and us all. I think people are too entitled to instant gratification and getting their way upon disliking something, rather than see the unique capabilities and potential immersion and beauty and be able to wear something because you are involved with a culture, group, faction, etc, and therefore have earned the blessing to prove you are part of them and have chosen a path, a path that sets you apart in small but important ways, from everyone around you.