A game does not NEED 7-10 million subs to flourish, but guess what? If you have that much money rolling in, you can do some pretty incredible things to improve the game. And, has been said, a game's perceived popularity will entice more new people to join, both of the story-loving and the story-skipping varieties.
The vast majority of folks in this thread who are posting in favor of condensing the main scenario are NOT folks looking for an easy ride into Heavensward. We're already there, because we love the game, story and all. We are, however, fearful that the daunting amount of work - even if it is enjoyable work! - will discourage new players from joining. New players are the LIFEBLOOD of the game. We need at least as many new players coming in as there are old players who get tired of the game and quit. If that doesn't happen, the game will shrivel, and the more it shrivels the FASTER it will shrivel as word-of-mouth spreads and more people gain the perception that it's just not worth the effort.
We're well aware that FFXIV is doing very well right now - but just because it's not happening yet is no reason not to prepare for it, and to take measures to prevent it.
