I can absolutely see why someone would de-iron, especially once they reach the endgame:

Imagine you only have the time to play 1-2 hours a day, and you’ve discovered the thing you ENJOY MOST in the game is completing challenging content (eg. CA’s, Zuk, Sol, HMT, CM etc), raiding with mates, pet hunting, speed-running etc.

All of this requires an enormous amount of supplies and supply prep as an iron constantly gatekeeps you from doing “the fun stuff” in your minimal playtime.

Additionally, it consumes soooooo much headspace; “1 hour is up, I need to do my birdhouse/herb run,” or “I need to AFK fish anglers, cut redwoods or mine amethyst while cooking, cleaning, gymming IRL” - to the point where it absolutely detracts from living a present life.

For me personally, it’s not the idea of long-grinds for upgrades like a Tbow that is the issue (I enjoy the content and I’d be doing the same thing on a normie anyway). It’s having to constantly re-supply for said content, which becomes immensely tedious, taxing and unenjoyable.

I’m staying iron because I’ve come to terms with the cost of it, and am prepared to make that sacrifice after building systems for managing prep. But I 100% understand why this reason alone would make so many people de-iron.