I think you don't know the meaning of the word "creative" if your idea of creativity is to blatantly rip off another game.

In a day and age where nearly every MMO out there is trying to be a WoW clone, one of the few things FFXI has going for it is that it's NOT WoW. Why would you want to ruin that?
Just for curiosity's sake, elaborate how FFXI is so different and better as a result.

Off the top of my head, I'd say the art styles and emphasis on PvP/Factions are the biggest differences. From the mathematical standpoint, however, I'd say WoW and many of its "clones" are more robust and flexible, particularly when it comes to spells/abilities and things monsters do in battle. And for those who want to see Campaign done right, play Rift.