I don't understand why so many people are getting in a huff over the fact that it's "Gameplay versus graphics".
For starters, that's not even true, considering this update isn't designed just for new graphics. That just happens to be the first thing implemented following the removal of interiors/terrains.
Most of the time I personally find that I and most servers I visit are based upon a slate-style map.
So, they're not making use of terrain maps.
So, by removing it, you're not removing gameplay.
It's similar to telling me that I am losing a vital part of my bodily system and will never be the same again if I remove my appendix.
I won't claim to understand or really know anything about how development is done on Blockland, but I would for a minute think that the removal of terrain/interiors is just for this one shadow/shaders addition.
I think if that were the case, they'd have seen the negative views from a mile of.
If you're removing something like this, which has been a stable element of Blockland for years, you'd want to replace it with new stuff, lots of stuff.
In the end, I can only see this to lead towards more gain for Blockland than loss.