This recent d2r ladder reset made me realize part of why i like d2 so much better, blues and yellows feel good for the 1st day or 2, and the journey is more fun. There are necessary objectives to reach the end game, not just grinding helltide->nmd->pit/horde.
You can also choose different paths, can start mf/hork hero, uber runner, cow runner, key farmer, rusher, dueler etc.
In D4 it's just make hero and grind. Altho the d2 endgame of competing to TZs is daunting since games are limited, Otherwise D2>D4.