The real problem is that Larian decided they wanted to make DoS 3 instead of a Baldurs Gate game, so instead of multiple segmented and distinct areas, we get a few areas that are just giant blobs of map.
When you think about it, BG 1 and 2 had 'fast travel'. You fast traveled between maps and areas of the cities. But it wasn't teleportation (for the most part). That meant random encounters, story development opportunities, etc.
Would also cut on the 3 years loading times.
