I had/have/am still getting pissed off!! at this recurring problem. I actually submited an e-mail to POL support about the problem. I will share the reply below:

> Subject: [t1028874:b937] Lag in communications with NPCs
> Date: Tue, 8 Mar 2011 03:34:57 +0900
> To:
> From: support_na_ol@square-enix.com
>
> Dear Customer,
>
> Regarding your request for account support. Please find your answer below.
>
> We would first suggest running a file check to see if that corrects the problem. You can run it from the PlayOnline Viewer start screen by selecting Check Files, then select FFXI from the drop menu. If that does not correct the problem, please contact us during our normal business hours at http://support.na.square-enix.com, hours of operation are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm PST Monday through Friday.
>
> Thank you for contacting the SQUARE ENIX Support Center.
> ___________
> For additional assistance with this issue, you can reply to this email directly. For assistance with a new issue, please visit the SQUARE ENIX Support Center at http://support.na.square-enix.com.

PLEASE NOTE:
1. I performed the recommended corrective action.
2. I'm still having the same problems with several NPCs in different zones/regions.
3. I AM PISSED OFF this problem won't go away ><