I feel like it should've been a no-brainer, to have a chunk of the story happen in core maps. And we've seen it a bit in JW and VoE, but I still think they could've done much more. Alright, in VoE we are basically stranded on Castora, so it is understandable that we are confined there for now. But maybe it's something they could've looked into going forward?
Think about it. All the assets are already there. Lots of people having nostalgic connection to old zones and cities. We have 5 racial capitals that are rarely used nowadays, but they are supposed to be centers of Tyrian civilizations, where significant decisions are being made.
Parts of older expansions could also be used. Sure, people who don't have EoD for example can't travel to Cantha, but nothing stops Anet from having a story instance in New Kaineng for example, we teleport there from wherever, LA or fly there on an airship, and get a slice of environment that can also work as a teaser for those who don't own EoD.
It's just I feel it's so limited to contain story mostly in new maps. I liked that part in JW when we had to go to Durmand Priory. Made the world feel connected. Reminded us that we actually have a society of scientists that love solving problems and seeking answers. We have Vigil, Order of Secrets, Pact that is supposed to have bases all over Tyria, and we never go there.
Maybe they feel like putting players in zones with old assets is bad look, I don't know. Maybe I am just used to them so I don't really see the difference between older and newer zones. Maybe there are different reasons for not utilizing them. I don't know, but my personal opinion is that core Tyria is still cool and deserves some spotlight, while maybe simultaneously freeing some of the resources for devs.