Xarnata - In reference to this being intentional, can you point me to where you got that info from just for my own curiosity? I read as far back as October and didn't see a mention of it in the Changelog.
The reason I assumed it was a Bug is because there are certain areas that this doesn't make sense for. Example - All of the (ex) Wachter fortifications had Braziers in them that looked nice and creepy from a distance, and didn't actually do much to take away from the darkness of the area. But now they've just got about 20 flame-less objects that resemble metal bowls on stands around the fortifications. (The map with the Orphanage exterior on it, from the top of my head, perhaps it was called "Old Svalich Road - West", but I could be wrong.)
Additionally, there are some indoor maps that are now 100% dark, with zero ambient light whatsoever, and have NPCs just hanging around in total darkness next to many (turned off) Candellebras, candles, and other sources of light. I know I could go around and turn them on, it's just strange to have to do that every time the area resets.
Example - The Red Vardo HQ in Vallaki. All the NPCs are hanging around in pitch blackness, even the fireplace no longer gives off light.
If the intent was to scale the amount of light down and this IS intentional, then that's cool. I'm definitely not trying to complain about less ambient light being around. I think it's a good idea. I just think it might have had a few unintended side-effects. All in all, not a big deal, I just assumed it to be a bug, and was trying to be helpful in troubleshooting.