Blizzard used to have this way of going to the extremes with things. If X feature/system was bad in a xpac, they went to the other extreme next xpac. Kept on going like this back and forth.
If anything, these last few xpacs has proven they have found a formula that lets the maximize revenue with way less players. Back in the days, there was sub numbers that drove the game. More subs = more money. With token, mounts, pets++++ features in the shop (we should expect new store stuff) theres less need for alot of subs. Those that play also buy stuff on store.
Blizzard is probably fine with most players playing in bursts(1-3 months) while having enough players inbetween whaling it up.