The system has improved yes, but the locations have not. These are all visually appealing, but if you were trying to make a good Btb map, it much harder.
You talk about how good maps in Reach used 1 area. Yes, most good maps were like this, but many great maps used 1/2 or 1 1/2 of areas. Most maps I saw on Reach were in the air, in quarry, or in the canyon (with next most on island). Some of the best maps used the cliffs, or part of the island, not the entire thing.
The forge areas are great-looking and good for smaller maps, but there will be too much repetition for btb maps.