I think people have a problem with the name and image of <random encounters>. And associate all the bad stuff about it.
They should be an integral part of an RPGs world building, especially a Baldurs Gate game. Just dont call them that and make them super interesting and as the original post suggest. Called something like <Dynamic living world building and atmospheric encounters> thats fun and challenging.
Sometimes might not even be an encounter! Just a couple of deers roaming around, or some rabits digging for some hidden treasure (basically you got a good roll!), a wandering monk...etc...
This is an RPG right? People dont seem to even care to be immersed in the world; Just get me THERE. ASAP. Fight, ok, NEXT PLACE. Wheres the quick travel....FIGHT, HURRY and SLEEP, NEXT zone...cringy ROMANCE talk YEA!!!, alright, next ZONE etc...
RPG has nothing to do with immersion. One can RolePlay Santa Claus during Summer. Its immersive? No. But its RolePlay? Yes.
