Adding my voice to those who really liked the hunt. I'd crafted the cooking camp at the end of the last hunt, so had ended that one with no gold/troll tokens so was surprised I had 16 at the start - thanks mainly to the beastbane.
I ended up using all my saved energy and by the end had got everything I wanted plus have 65 troll tokens waiting for the next one, even with crafting the armoured bears (which I have put next to the Baron's tent as they both don't quite live up to their promises )
I liked being able to choose what I did and when (having saved energy really helps with that) - compared to other events where missing a collection can have a big impact. Picking and choosing other events really helps when a hunt turns up.
As a long time player, drops of tickets and expansion permits still seem on track for me (hope I haven't jinxed myself here). The new black bear is a good dropper and the dark unicorns often dropped multiples. I also got 2 expansion permits from my flyger troup and one from a direwolf during the event so very, very happy with that! They obviously knew it would keep my motivation levels up.
I know all these events are very different for lower level players and those without lots of energy. For those, I would say enjoy your storyline goals. They are what made me and others keep playing the game and the hope for new storyline is why I am still playing