just want to clarify for those who didn't watch ESO live
VR quests are going to give 50% more XP
public dungeons are going to give DOUBLE XP (not delves, not group dungeons)
EVERYTHING in craglorn is going to give 20% extra xp - mobs + quests
VR 1-16 xp is being REDUCED by 15%
veteran ranks are also being increased to 16
these are good changes. whilst i can attest and agree with everyones dislike of VR levels, this is actually a really good nerf to XP which should make getting to VR16 a lot easier for everybody.
however, none of this is happening until the imperial city content patch. more news of which will be available july 13th.
veteran ranks are still going to be removed, however, VR ranks are intrinsically tied to XP gains and itemisation (the stats on your gear/food/potions/enchants). the ties between itemisation and vet ranks are the reason why VR ranks aren't being removed quite yet. the introduction of champion points has done the job of separating out XP from VR to CP, but the itemisation changes need to be handled delicately so nobody loses any progress. there is no more detail on this at this time.
so, as such, VR ranks HAD to be increased with imperial city.
it was either a case of
A. delay new content until VR ranks are removed.
Or.
B. increase VR ranks when releasing imperial city.
Or.
C. dont increase VR rank but release imperial city with no new gear/crafting mats. which would make it underwhelming and unrewarding, so not a good option, even though it might seem like it to some.
whilst we would probably all prefer option D. remove vet ranks and release imperial city. it's just not possible at this time due to the itemisation. with new content comes new gear and without a new system for managing the itemisation on new gear, it still needs to be applied via VR ranks.
so yea. no need to go ape, just relax, enjoy the new content when it comes and have faith that ZoS know what they are doing. even though it's taking an age, it's because they want to do it properly.
although tbh, i'll be avoiding any more quest content until the patch (even though i'm now VR14 i still have some cadwells gold quests to go and all of craglorn).
now is a good time to level alts up to VR1 in preparation for the XP nerf.