I think the last time realm first achievements were a thing (for anything other than raids) was in Lich king, but I might be mistaken.

Since I wrote my previous comment, I thought about it, and there are advantages for starting earlier. Reaching max level gives you access to world quests, which can be a source of gear and reputation. It also leaves you more time to complete the weekly objectives before the next reset. If I recall correctly, last time (the launch of Dragonflight) you got an item you can use to increase the power of a piece of crafted gear.

For the average player it doesn’t really matter, but for the world first racers, it might.

If they do things like they have for the last few expansions, neither raids, neither ranked pvp, neither mythic+ will be available in the first 2 weeks or more.

Realistically you will have more than enough time to level a character to max, maybe even two.

It still doesn’t make it right, or acceptable, but it’s more than enough to bash Blizzard for being greedy.

I mean, yeah…?

If wow is the only game you play, and you have spent decades on it, it really is no money at all.

It still doesn’t make it right to lock the release behind a 90€ purchase.