I actually just randomly started a new character on Barri yesterday (without initially noticing all the fast travel locations), I was able to get up to 30 within 6 hours. The 0-30 experience was incredibly smooth, and it was honestly really nice having all the extra fast travel locations.
I remember back at launch, we would have to do portal trains just to AFFORD azoth to be able to fast travel occasionally, almost no one was ever at azoth cap (except periodically after back to back wars/invasions). On my new character, azoth is basically capped at all times, and I can travel wherever I want. The leveling/questing experience is remarkably improved, and is in a much better state to welcome new/returning players.
They could allow mounts for travel between any two fast travel points (towns and/or shrines). Only allow getting on the mount at one end of the route. Can stop and get off anywhere along the route, but you can’t get back on.
Heck, for some variety, they could even add some POI’s like road taverns or outposts you can’t fast travel to but that you could ride a mount to or mount up at.
I made a post about a trading system similar to archeage, i would really like to hear everyone’s thoughts on it, if you are curious go read my post called “trading system / mounts should have purpose.” it’s a pretty comprehensive take.