Do it along with removing the unlock. *shrug* 
The arc itself just isn't that fun - it's less fun when you're trying to rush through it because you have people waiting to run an ITF. Remove the need for the unlock, trim down the arc (you have a point with the duplicate missions, it's part of the tediousness of the mission) and it turns into "something I can run and just enjoy when I have the time without holding people up."
Besides, (a) the Rikti/Lost connection has nothing to do with Cimerora, which makes the arc rather a tangent, and (b) we've got new Midnighter-related threats in game now - a new arc overall would probably be a good idea.
Wanted: Origin centric story arcs.
If you've only played an AT once (one set combo) and "hate" it - don't give up. Roll a different combo. It may just be those sets not clicking for you.
Thanks, Stormbird: I just saw and /signed your thread about unlocking Cimerora, which is an even better idea. The story arc could be simplified or reworked to grant the Midnighter/Lost Savior Badges for those that are into that kind of thing.
I actually wouldn't mind seeing more Midnighter arcs (again, though, without them being a brick wall to other areas.) Lore wise, yes, it makes sense they'd pay attention to the Lost/Rikti - just not related to Cim ("Hey, you've beaten the Rikti, now go talk to an old Roman guy!"). We have a bit with Mercedes Sheldon (which, again, level difference in the unlock between the sides....)
Doing a "Midnight Overhaul," to get a little more grandiose in planning, I would:
- Remove the unlock I've been talking about, since cim content is level locked anyway.
- Tweak the Lost/Rikti arc as mentioned here - and there are things that have been asked for before in regards to, say, Lady Jane and the Lost Curing Wand, as well.
- Put in an arc actually going INTO things like the Arcanus family's relationship and history with the midnighters.
- Put in another dealing directly with what they did with Ruularu - perhaps Ouroboros-tied, there, like the Ouro "task forces" and such, though I think that would get a bit sticky, lore-wise.
- And another dealing with Wade's past history.
... just for starters.
Cim itself could use more content, yes. It's already feeling like a (dev) abandoned zone.
Wanted: Origin centric story arcs.
If you've only played an AT once (one set combo) and "hate" it - don't give up. Roll a different combo. It may just be those sets not clicking for you.
Yes, please. That's a boring arc with too much repitition.
This suggestion is inspired by another thread I posted here, but it's not entirely the same (so it's not cross-posting).
Basically, the new suggestion is to remove a bit of tedium of the Midnighter arc, at least for Heroes. Now that everyone must complete the entire arc to get access to the MC and Cimerora, the arc could use a little touch up to streamline it a little.
1. Combine the "Investigate the Lost and Rikti's Involvement" and "Aid In Rescue Operation" missions. The maps are the same, the boss is the same: why do these have to be separate missions? Why can't we defeat Celine Dion, access the computers, AND rescure Argot Burgwot in the same mission, instead? Radio/Tip missions are no more complex than that already.
2. Combine or sequence the "Talk to Azuria" and "Craft Lost Cure" missions, so that both can occur together in City Hall/Atlas Park. Either have Azuria craft the cure for us, or have her send us to another Contact or Mission Objective inside City Hall/AP to craft the Lost cure. That way, we don't have to zone to a University, RWZ, or an SG base with a crafting table, before we then have to zone again for the "Cure Lost" mission.
Even though these two suggestions will require minor tweaking to eliminate/change the existing missions, they can also be accomplished easily with existing tech. Thanks!