Originally Posted by
technole
There are some who think "well i don't do the content, it doesn't matter" but like the economy hit of no ultimate I mentioned before, it also has another effect.
One thing YoshiP liked from the first ultimate on was that it brought the largest streaming audience for the game.
Like today you aren't aren't going to be a very successful XIV streamer unless you do almost all end-game content, like savage at the minimum where you are progressing something new every broadcast versus daily same casual stuff everyday. Successful streamers today include Mizzteq, Spofie, and Xeno.
So Ultimate brought streaming watches at the all-time highest ever in all regions, and YoshiP admitted they had fun watching groups fail the UwU awoken mechanics. So there is also marketing value for the content outside of a way to solidly generate subs for months that can roll over for years since the content cannot be undersized, and will always be a relevant challenge. Say new raid group joins XIV in 2020, clears savage, now has 3 possible ultimate to challenge now. Instead of 4 unfortunately. But they may stay along for all if they are that type of group.