Hard to disagree OP. I don't like this new system at all. It feels like the implementation of this system shows that either:
1. ANET doesn't understand the main principle that sets GW2 apart from the other MMORPGs.
2. ANET does understand this, but they aren't satisfied with that being the case.
There are tons of of MMORPGs out there, and many of them do so many things better that GW2 (raids, dungeons, bosses, etc.). HOWEVER, the thing that has kept me coming back to this game since launch is that it has always gone the exact opposite direction that other MMORPGs lean when it comes to FOMO. I can leave and come back to GW2 w/out feeling like I've missed out on anything (not counting Season 1 LS for a while, and we saw what a stink that caused.)
This battle pass system (while mild) represents a step in the wrong direction - and it's a pretty in-your-face step being that it is tied to the daily system that slaps you right in the face the minute you log on each day.
Is this egregious? God, no. It is however indicative of a direction that if they fully leaned into would make me leave this game for good. I really hope they don't kill the one thing I find special about this lovely game.