Before you read this I can run shaders and shadows on max so don't use that against me.
I really do miss maps too. The shaders and shadows helps make even the simplest of builds look advanced and good, and it definitely helps video makers as well. I miss the gameplay aspect that terrains provided for users, especially since not everyone is a good builder. It helped people create a server that they wanted to make because they may not be able to make such a great looking build.
I realize this helps with the updates and everything, but we lost more than we gained. The Torque Engine wasn't made to run shaders, and they look too choppy, and pixelated. I understand that lots of people think they look good, and at times they really do. The whole update removed essential severs from Blockland like Nobot's Death Race, Pecon's Original Boss Battles, Wizards Dog Fight, and Jorgur's RPG. Most people don't even realize how much they lost because they are too busy obsessing over how beautiful everything looks. How many good servers still exist on Blockland? Not a lot.
Tons of people will try to defend shaders and shadows as much as they can. I realize that this helps Badspot when he wants to make updates. Before responding to what I am saying, have an open perspective of both sides, and don't have such a bias opinion against one or the other. I have had Blockland for several years, and have been playing since beta, and I can honestly say that I am not having as much fun as I did when it was still V19. I realize it's too late to turn back, but I just hate it when people criticize people who actual want terrains back.