I think its a good thing. While I do enjoy the company of a group, I've never managed to do the last step. It seems the good groups disband before we can finish, or the group isn't strong enough to handle it.
If I remember correctly, you can't just form a group and start the last step. You have to wait for the event to trigger... and jump through another hoop.. and if the sun and moon are in proper alignment... and if it's the 2nd Tuesday of winter solstice.. then maybe.. just maybe you can get into the instance to START the last step. While I've started the last step numerous times, never seemed to have a group stay together long enough to finish it.
So, yes, I'm kind of glad for this announcement. Was also glad about the 100% explorer achievement not requiring PVP. I logged in last month, and Cha-Ching! :) Success.