I hated the islands. They were so boring at least the PVE ones. It was just gather up an assload of mobs and AE them down. I didn't find it fun at all. On my Mage, the best essence for him comes from there. I was so mad I had to do them.
Some of these streamers that signed a contract, have to play ads now. I'll bet money Shroud has a clause in his contract.
https://www.theloadout.com/twitch/itshafu-triples-salary
Personally, I believe they should never raise the level cap again. Instead of making "leveling" zones every expansion, they should just focus everything on max level content.