The question of FFXI going offline in the future has been raised a few times, and the chances of another full blown expansion is looking less likely these days. PS2 limitations, fewer players, less income etc.

But there are people who have never played FFXI, and a spin-off could be the answer. Weather it be based on a serious of offline missions and quest or an all new story set on one of the unexplored continents like The Far Western continent. While adding some mystery that can only be found out playing FFXI online (to encourage new players to go online).

Systems to do these on and retain some of the graphical look clearly be Xbox 360 and PC (they wouldn't consider going it on PS2 now), but I'd love a FFXI spin off on the 3DS as well (lol I'd love to play ffxi online on that full stop).

For FFXI players linking the spin-off to you SE Acount could then allow you to use your main character and get all the benefits and allow you to move new items/gears between games.

Just an idea...