[Old Hutment Site renown heart progression is too slow.]

Agreed. Much too difficult. :(

[Infinite loading screen]

I'm going to hop onto this one: I've had this issue since early June, as well. I assumed it was a buggered GPU, but as I just got a brand new 3060, Imma thinkin' that's not the case. XD I agree it's likely related to server load and connection, as I live in Australia and the internet is semi-stable at best. However, this issue wasn't a problem before. I find it primarily on starter maps and Arborstone (all the time) and it typically clears up after a bit (which may also be related to time zone differences on NA servers). Like I said though, wasn't an issue ever prior to June. I've tried it using a mobile connection, which may or may not be more stable here, and there was no difference. I've also installed a mesh network in my home, so that's not to blame (in the sense that the network is as stable as I can make it given the weakness in our NBN overall). So...it's definitely something going on that wasn't happening before, despite the sometimes unstable internet connection. Hopefully, there'll be some type of answer soon.

[New Map Praise]

I haven't done much of the new story (No Quarter) yet, as I'm not sure I want to complete the entire thing without the amazing voice actors doing their thing. But...this map is gorgeous. The textures and colors are stunning, and I just spent a lot of time doing world completion (again), and I've been playing GW2 for quite a few years. So let me just say: bravo to the texture and enviro artists. You guys outdid yourselves!

[Australia's Gem Card Situation (Good News!)]

Okay, to report back, I just called my local store and finally got through: they do have the cards in stock. I'm going to go over to pick some up in a bit and verify.

[Australia's Gem Card Situation (Good News!)]

Has anyone found any in their local store? I haven't seen any at ours in Perth. Just curious if anyone can confirm that the stores do indeed sell them? (Half the time, the clerks aren't sure when you ask questions...)