Soitenly.
I think quality maps is important for any game. Good maps can make a mediocre game worth while, or poor maps can sink a good game.
Not only should maps be of good quality (interesting geometry, game-based design, diverse, frame rate friendly, etc.), but there should be a generous "map schedule" offered by the developer.
For example, maps released for the GOLD version of the game should be the maps that reflect how the game is played during beta. But just any game will require patches after release, and just as any game is adopted by the community (and played differently than in Beta)irrational should plan on releasing new maps with some of the game patches, and then every so often to keep play fresh. 3 new maps every few months or so, until the game is on it's feet.
In addition to a generous map schedule, I think an intuitive map rotation is important. T1 featured a nice, small map rotation whereby every map was as exciting as the last. T2, on the other hand, had virtually no map rotation worth playing straight through, much less over and over. As a result, servers were punctuated with incessant voting. Subsequently, it was difficutlt to enter into the type of meditative, non-stop play that was possible and healthy for T1.
Lastly, in the words of Ezra Pound, "make it new." Give the poor T1 maps a rest for T:V. Undoubtedly, some community mapper will revive them or some version thereof, but hopefully irrational will encourage a more creative hommage to the things that have worked in the past.
There's a shit load to say about mapping. Hopefully we can eek it all out in these discussions.
Btw, is DOX working on T:V maps? I know he's down under, but maybe he makes good $ and and couldn't afford to help. Dunno. Would be nice though because his work is always exciting and new.