SE, you managed to take the umph outta quests.

[Gramul]

This is not Final Fantasy XI. From what you've said here, that is apparently the only MMO that you have played, because since 2004, nearly all of them have been like this.

And that's a little sad.

This isn't for the better. Quests have turned form performing feats of duty, bravery and cleverness into dull checklists. They've removed the organic element and put in its stead a systematic set of skinner boxes.
All the romance and lore is stripped away, leaving us with obvious and boring goal posts. It's like the character of the quests themselves where cut out to make the whole experience quicker and easier.
There's no engagement. It's become a chore.

Back then, you had to actually read your quest. Find out the locations, enemies, artifacts, tools and goals by taking it from word of mouth. There where actual dangers in your way, and you could choose to cleverly sneak by or join up with a friend. Everything's just feels so mechanical and cold now.