This is a random thought but I think part of the reason I've become disillusioned with most modern fantasy stories (especially Romantasy) is because of how much emphasis is placed in the plot that the Big Bad can only be destroyed by the Super Special Super Strong Super Powerful Main Characters and that those who fall outside of these two archetypes are effectively irrelevant.
Like ... I'm sorry but that's so boring and there's nothing compelling about it. It reads, essentially, like a fictional version of the "great man" theory of history. It's the same rehashed plot over and over. In ACOTAR for example, ordinary people pretty much mean nothing to the plot, they're just there for decoration or to prop up the Super Special main characters. I would have so much rather read about idk a secret union or organisation of lesser faeries working to support each other and protect their community than read Rhysand smirk and flex his shaddow-daddy powers one more time lmao
What I love most in epic quest stories or high fantasy is not reading Marvel-style battles play out on page. But rather how even those on the lowest rung of the latter matter. How they have a place in this story. Gandalf's monolgue in The Hobbit (movie, not book) pretty much sums up exactly how I feel about it:
Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I've found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love.
There's a reason the LOTR franchise is one of the most beloved in the world.
