The second part I quoted I could not agree with more. Too much fanservice, to little innovation.
I don't think they were looking to turn FFXIV 1.0 around into something totally innovative. It doesn't seem like they were willing to take that chance, with what was riding on 2.0's success.
I'm willing to give Yoshi-P some time, the game is relatively new. But there are somes things that there are just no turning back from. Including the OP's statement on cramped environments, lack of immersion, and a game that's content 1-49 is pointless dribble.
