I think ArenaNet still needs to get a lot better in the keeeping content relevant department. So much of their work just goes to waste, because it is either no longer maintained or no longer interesting/rewarding at max level. It's a shame.

Nothing stopped them (beside own inability to come up with good and logical ideas) from enabling Claw Island outside personal story - all three mentors could be there as idle NPCs who wait for us for the encounter. Claw Island should be for Orr what Silverwastes was for HoT maps - a sneak-peek, preparation zone

But ye, since we got this plot thing right now - I support your idea