http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__...ael_Flames.jpg
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__.../Sephiroth.jpg
I would hardly call it subtle. Anyone familiar with Sephiroth knows this scene.
And also:
A high ranking official goes crazy and draws upon unearthly power to unleash destruction on the planet, in the form of a giant Meteor.
Who am I describing? Sephiroth or Nael Van Darnus?
My point is, there are references to previous Final Fantasies that were woven into Eorzea's story pretty well, despite being not-so-subtle. We know it, and we love it. But now that the actual Lightning from FFXIII is coming in, OH NO, it's a terrible terrible thing! SE's a sellout and is ruining the Final Fantasy name! BURN THIS INFORMATION FROM MY VIRGIN EYES.
MY IMAGE OF ALTERNATE UNIVERSES IS FOREVER SCARRED!
I'm exaggerating, but then, I think, so is this thread. Especially since you haven't seen how they'll do it yet.