The new quest system is for the better in my opinion.
New players will now probably build at least some troops and start farming instead of focusing mainly on resource buildings which the old quest system (if I remember correctly) more or less directed players to do. This will in turn make it harder for more experienced players to farm, seeing as farming competition will be greater and it will be more difficult to farm low point villages because most will have some defensive troops instead of just high mines.
Positive advancement for newer players, and negative advancement for experienced players. This update was needed to try to increase the player base.