FFXI became tedious at the highest level of the hardest to contend with HNMs. The basic gameplay and leveling progression along with story lines were enhanced by the balls to the walls difficulty. Was needing a 6 man party to get a low level rare/ex item annoying? At time but that is also where all those great FFXI memories stem from. The fact that you were utterly incapable of doing anything alone meant that you were ALWAYS with your LS trying to help someone. When 5 people spend 2 hours of their time to help YOU specifically it really makes you bond with them.
FXIV floptastic start may have been largely due to rushed game syndrome but lets not forget that intellectual abortion of a Fatigue system which was intentionally put in place to make the game accessible to casual players while still trying to maintain their hard core subscribers. The entire system revolved around the idea that the guy with 10 hours a week could be on the same level as a someone with 40 hours in terms of character level was forced on us. Along with the leve system to regulate player's progression so those with more time didn't shoot ahead created an atmosphere of hurry up and wait. Do your leves and afk for 30 minutes until another behest rolled around.
For all those bright eyed eager FFXI players who were trying out the new game it left the taste of shit and suntan lotion in their mouths. Myself among them. I think we would do well with a radical difficulty ramp up. Get back to the idea that you had to play out the Fantasy in a PARTY. Which every single FF title before and since has revolved around.
