Totally agree with this. I applaud S-E for streamlining the experience to the extent they did -- a risky move, but they got a lot of things right. My benchwarmers get XP so I can feel free to use them whenever I want? Crazy like a fox. Same with eliminating the need to find shops when I want to shop (removes the tedious step of traveling to a town, finding the right shop), auto-healing after every battle (removes the tedious step of healing after each fight), liberally sprinkling save points, potions healing everyone, etc. Allowed them to meticulously craft a well-paced, powerful story... now, about that pacing and story...