Yes it was a grind. But it wasnt around long, so it was an enjoyable grind because it was new.
Blackthorns dungeon on the other hand, its perma content so yes its become a grueling terrible afk grind.
The problem its so easy to AFK grind to get the arties that the people that are there on multiple accounts AFK 24/7 have flooded the market to the point where actually do the challenging fun part of it (the captains) just isnt worth the trouble.
Why would i spend 8 hours plus fighting something when i can make 10times the gold value in that same amount of time doing other things?
Yes, the AFK grind has ruined Blackthorns dungeon. It was really fun, but just isnt worth it because the minax arties are so common they arent worth the time it takes to get them. Of course if your AFK, time isnt a concern. Its still all pure easy profit. Especially if your bagballed in with 0 risk of death.