I can see that. Some gamers are all about being constantly sucked into the games narrative instead of being aware they are in a big open virtual world just doing tasks for the sake of exploring that world and making it worth the devs time to make it so large, or to later use sections for useless DLC cash grabs. I myself have come to enjoy them. They need to tie as many of the side quests and tasks into the main story though to keep you sucked into the game. I felt HZD did a pretty good job of this.

For me, games like GTA:V or HZD or ACO are all more than large enough based on their map size. Any bigger and I think I would end up focusing more on the direct story and less on anything else to do on the side. I got fairly close to completing GTA:V, but I didn't worry about doing little stuff like hitting all the stunt jumps etc. That game and it's story is crazy fun though. I barely played it's online mode. It was fun for a bit but other games were calling.

I really don't like games that try and keep you playing that franchise non stop consistently, it's just not my thing. Worthwhile DLC from time to time is ok, just as long as it's not so much DLC that clearly some has been taken out of the main game to hold onto you and grab a few more bucks, and as long as they clearly aren't trying to keep you from playing other games. Obviously they want this though because the less you play their game, the less that dev/pub has a chance to make a few extra bucks on the side.

I used to be a pretty big fan of Destiny, but based on how the main games, DLC, and extra content have been handled over time, it's become clear to me that they want you playing their game non stop and I just won't have it. For those who like that kind of thing, great, but for everyone else, you tend to get ripped because the games are usually set up in a way to make you pay or you only receive a portion of the lesser valued content. 

I'm hoping RDR2 will be similar to GTA:V. A large enough map with a solid, long, engaging story, that makes you want to explore some. Multiplayer online would be fine as well but at the moment I'm not to worried about it. If it turns out great that's cool, if not, I'll just move on.

(...)

Open World with a temathic I like makes it bearable at least, but perhaps I should give RDR2 and GTAV a chance playing only main story.

Yes of course :)

the story is really good (and funny ^^) in gta 5 xD I like to play in only very few open worlds, but in GTA 5 it is well implemented - and certainly in Red Dead Redemption 2(if you like western), I'm sure. Rockstar Games have good eyes for details :)