Yeah, Netherwing rep also takes a couple weeks from what I remember. And you are timegated behind 3 dailies that require you to kill low level mobs and gather some crystals. Still in the game. Even though it's been like 10 years+
Not sure how many allied races you've unlocked, but many of them are indeed locked behind moderately long questlines/scenarios. If you don't like the visuals, no one is forcing you to get them.