Great post, op.

Without humble beginnings there will never be a proper frame of reference for epic or high level content. When everyone and everything is epic and awesome from level 1, there will never be room for growth.

The constant barrage of "amazing" in Baldurs Gate 3 has made me completely numb to the point where nothing feels awesome or impressive anymore. It takes courage and skill to show restraint and write small and mundane things. I think Larian as a developer lacks that ability. Ultimately it will mean that while BG3 will be a high quality game, the doors to the RPG Hall of Fame will remain closed.