And while combat may get more interested in later level (i.e. 50 and beyond), what would motivate a user to trudge through 49 levels of less exciting combat to get there?
It's been argued that WoW "starts" at the max level (currently 80). I would argue that a flaw in game design. A game should be an enjoyable experience at all stages of progression. Having to "work" to get to level X defeats the purpose of the game. Just because MMO players have become accustomed to the "grind to the next level" mindset doesn't mean it's good or even acceptable game design.
I agree with you 100%. I would say that WoW has always been fun, but I was always playing when other people were leveling at the same time as me (albeit at different paces) and as new dungeons were coming out. The difference is that you're playing in a system that is years old and you probably haven't seen much of the new content that has dropped. Unfortunately that's just the nature of the beast; WoW does start at the end.
If you are interested in playing Cataclysm then I would say the best option is for you to try and level your characters to 80 now while you can. This way you will finally be caught up with everyone else (at least in level) and can participate in new encounters with them as Cataclysm releases. I think part of what you're going through is that you don't have many people to group with and thus challenge and adventure of exploring 'new' areas isn't as appealing to you.
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