I thought it was just me having updated Nvidia drivers the same day. I too get the weird distance issue in WVW. It is, as OP says, as if your viewing distance is halved.
Can confirm I have the same issue regardless of character or its location.
EDIT: I have a Ranger in Bjora, I can access the game using this one.
ADDITIONAL EDIT: Game stable for a few minutes then crash.
Fellow Thieves.
The the removal of STEALTH after STEAL can be overcome by going STEAL - CLOAK AND DAGGER this will unlock SNEAK ATTACK.
Works really well. Sure its an extra keypress.
IMHO, long live the Thief.