I think these days shortcuts are often for experienced players who are happy with the difficulty ramp being a cliff. e.g. in Bloodborne you can rush the Cleric

I think these days shortcuts are often for experienced players who are happy with the difficulty ramp being a cliff. e.g. in Bloodborne you can rush the Cleric Beast, spend the echoes to open the gate and go straight to Amelia. Something that using the standard progression route you'll do much, much, later. If you're good enough, this is great.