I agree. Players (most of whom don't play casually) hyped their own expectations through the roof. I didn't and I saw the announcement in a very exciting way : I could see devs were genuinely excited for lore and story!! Tons of updates last time too, I am genuinely excited :)
Are you like, forced to play? Tried to a chair and obliged to play the current events? No, you can play anything you want anytime, no one is forcing you.
I've unlocked everything from the story except season 3. I'm waiting for it to drop in price but if there is anyone who wants to gift me the amount of gold I can convert into gems to buy these, I'll be ultra grateful.