I’m not sure if it is a downside or positive for the game as of right now.
The whole point of this annual pass is for a long, enjoyable experience for 1 year. This new forge activity isn’t supposed to be some easy breezy campaign. It makes sense to grind a bit before starting this, as it is endgame content.
However, those who are not the most hardcore of players might take a long time to reach this level, so it could be weeks before they experience this new forge activity.
(Note that i don’t have Black Armory yet, and I’m purely basing my thoughts off of what I’m hearing).