Hit the nail on the head right there. I think one major problem is there are no milestones as you level really. In FFXI you were constantly working towards that next milestone that was never that far away and you were moving around to level in different zones. 1-10 solo then off to party in the dunes, at 18 unlock sub job, 20 off to Jeuno and also get Chocobo licence, then of to Qufim, at 24 do your airship pass mission and off to Kahzam and into the jungles, at 30 unlock advanced jobs. Also you had your story missions to do in between and getting your full airship pass. Throw onto that getting that next rank so you can wear that armour or equip that weapon and there was always something to work towards.
For me FFXIV has none of that and there is very little to work towards apart from hit R50 and do it all over again, I just don't get that sense of achievement like I have earnt it.
