Same conversations that we had years ago. Farming has ALWAYS existed. Whether it was the Demon Map, Dreck Map, Council Map, Battle Maiden Map, Seige Map ( my favorite ), Farming Ritki with Ghost Falcon missions... I've run low level toons through PI many times nack in the day for farms.
AE didnt invent farming it just made it more convenient less travel. more people farming in one place.. thats all. And that existed when the game was live. So nothing has changed.
Personally im no longer interested in slogging through the 1-35 game.. did it... for years.. im older, have a family now.. and less time.. if I can jump on an AE and get a few levels. I'm good with that. What other people do with their characters doesnt bother me.