Wife and i just did a few story runs to see the changes, and we are not happy.
Story can no longer be started above your level, so that ensures that Anet is holding your hand all the way, and making sure it dont get to hard, god forbids if it becomes a challenge.
Rewards: Mobs no longer drops anything, so no need to kill them, just rush trough to get to your rewards, that are even more disapointing, the 3 blue bags containing “junk” + a souldbound items every now and then.
In short: Anet makes sure story are no longer any challange and you dont get any loot worthwile for doing it.