So we often get extremely caught up in this idea of our own timelines (15 years in real life) and all the stuff we've done in the game and how it all works out.
So I was thinking about what's part of the game universe that we make allowances for for the players.
Things like; there's not actually 1 million Ashbringers out there. There's just the one artifact weapon per spec, per player. For lore purposes they are singular.
Mass portals, used regularly by everyone. Are not a thing. There's no portal network connecting major cities or points of interest and it only exists for player convenience.
Travel time of course actually exists and effects the NPCs, with most travel taking place on ships or foot. So like flight paths are a thing in the game but not in the universe. Same with regular use of flying mounts.
Continental size - this mostly effects the classic kalimdor and eastern kingdoms. Cities are tiny, we can walk places quickly, far more quick than it would take to actually cover the distance to change biomes.
Anyway, just a few things to keep in mind.