Not really a "duh" - this is the first time they are doing it this way. Previous expansions could be played as soon as you got it installed.

And this is bad how? I can go to my midnight launch..come home install the CE and get my stuff ready to party all the way to 85...

I prefer it this way on the east coast.

I am actually pleased with this. Plenty of time for my midnight release, to stop at the 24 hour grocery store, pick up supplies, and install cata.

Someone just remind me to not go into work the next morning.

lol @ duh. /tinfoilhatmuch? That's prooooobably not the reason why they doing this.

The only question is won't this stop a good portion of player staggering as people round the world log in? If they're only letting us log in at that time then I can only imagine how many people will be waiting for the exact time to log in.

This is the first expansion that has been available as digital download @ launch. If I remember correctly TBD was not and WotLK wasn't either so it was less of a problem because people actually had to leave the house to get the game. With Cata people already "pre-ordered" the digital download. Blizzard just wants to make sure that everyone in North America starts at the same time.

@ MrJackSauce I don't think most people should expect to be able to log in and play on launch night anyways. The stress of the masses will bring servers down.