Reasons Why FFXI is Declining

[FrankReynolds]

How do you engage and hook a player when all they have to look forward to in their initial exposure to the game is grinding, followed by more grinding?

Do like they did with atmas in abyssea. Give them some stat bonuses that carry over permanently though. Like say
"complete this quest gain +5 max MP" and
"complete this quest, gain 10 max HP" or
"Do this mission line, earn one free retrace spell every day" or
"Do this mission, earn 1 level in the craft of your choice"
"Do this quest to earn a discount on chocobo rentals"
"Do this quest to earn a discount on NPC warps"
etc.

There could be a million little bonuses like that, none of which would be game breaking, but all of which would make playing the game a little easier and round out your character a little. Even high level players would jump on some of those.