Guild Wars 2

I was just reading the post on the upcoming changes to the wallet

https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/updating-your-wallet/

and my attention was very much drawn to the new “Spirit Shards” currency, and the associated changes. One in particular stood out for me:

“Leveling up after level 80 no longer grants skill points, but level 80 characters will be able to loot spirit shards off of monsters.”

I guess I have to ask: If we no longer get skill points as a reward for leveling past 80, is there a reason to gain XP or keep the leveling system in place at all beyond that point? Unless leveling after 80 will provide some other benefit(s), the leveling seems redundant.

Would a Dev or someone else in the know care to comment on this?

Thanks!
~Khidruun

Experience at level 80 progresses masteries.