Oh, yes, it's been that way since Siege began.
Back in the day, the lack of recall brought some major advantages with it - in that it made the shard even more interesting. People actually used the roads, and you would regularly come across everything from groups of highwaymen leaping out of the bushes to demand tribute - I have many memories of being chased all over the place by the Blackoak Brigands and various orcs - and you would even find the occasional very brave merchant, selling things out of a pack llama at the side of the road.
I wish I could find the picture, but I also remember a time when the Barefoot Idiots set up a toll gate made out of boxes, chairs, and pretty much anything they could craft, steal or borrow across the road leading out of Trinsic. I wasn't allowed to pass until I'd brought them two pairs of thigh boots. You don't get memories like these by recalling everywhere.
I've been here for years, and only used magery for about two of those years. Granted, the newer teleport tiles and portals are handy - but putting yourself at risk, being prepared to take the time to, say, ride from Britain to Trinsic, and all the player interaction that can result from it is just one part of what makes this Siege.
*wanders away back down memory lane*