Congratulations on your level??

[Candi]

So this will probably sound like a whiny complaint to some, but I'd like your thoughts/ opinions about the current state of the game. So that you know where I am coming from (or maybe not- for new players) I first began playing FFXI on it's very first day of release. The town of San' Doria- where I started- was filled with adventurers running around with level 1 RSE (Race specific equipment) and questions marks over their heads (not to mention the question marks literally in their heads at home). West Ronfaure was teaming with people playing alone and together alike. Eventually you would discover the horrors of Ghelsba Outpost, learning to skillfully pull without aggro or dying repeatedly if you failed. Then it was off to Valkurm Dunes for your first party. And don't even get me started about the excitement of finally making it to prestigious Jeuno!
I understand completely that those days are gone. There is nothing like them anymore. Now it's hurry up and get to 99, get the best gear and go stand somewhere bragging about your false accomplishments and bagging on anyone who is not wearing what 99% of the players are wearing. Is this what the game has come down to- XP and gear? Before you say that's what it has always been about, I dare you to say you remember exploring new areas with large groups of friends just for fun. Ballista... BCNM... partying for 1 or 2 hours just to get another level, actually earning a <Congratulations!> Fighting over Notorious Monsters... Actual fun-adventure. Maybe I am wrong- but my thoughts of this game after coming back from a break is WTF is this??