Back when I started the game, my first two zones were Eversong and Ghostlands and they were amazing. I spent a week leveling and exploring them, doing every quest, and taking time to work on professions--it was an amazing start to my wow experience that just got better and better as I worked towards entering Northrend. That journey took 7 months--it could have gone faster--but I didn't care to rush it because I was having too much fun exploring the vast rich world of Azeroth. This is a journey I look on with fond memories to this day. On the other hand, Exile's reach is fine but I was done in 20 mins and it wasn't that memorable. It was quick and to the point. Sure, I can get another alt to 50 in a couple days now--but why? I have alts--they are useful for mount collecting and professions, but I never want to play them seriously. I'd be OK with just my Paladin.
I think the current system is designed for people that don't enjoy leveling and that's fine I guess. It's like the difference between people who hike up a mountain for the top as quick as possible and those who meander enjoying everything that they see along the way. Maybe the latter never reach the mountain top but it's still a fun hike. Personally, I can't wait for bc/wrath servers so I can re-experience the journey at my own pace. I doubt retail will ever make leveling meaningful again. Even for shadowlands they nerfed the experience required because many people don't want to do every side quest, explore, and run dungeons at level.