What do you feel went RIGHT with FFXIV?

[Rowyne]

For everything they got right, I can also mention a reason why it also annoys me. I'll try my hardest to keep this positive.

Graphical details
I love the attention to detail in everything, like how I can see the wrinkles in my pants, how chainmail looks like chainmail and leather looks like leather. How my eyes have to adjust to the sun when I walk outside. I remember looking up at the stars at night in Limsa Lominsa for the first time and whispering, "Wow".

Lifelike character motion and emotes
I love how when I run, then come to a stop, my character shifts her weight. Emotes and facial expressions are extremely lifelike. The motion capture is amazing, and gives an added layer of depth and realism.

Cutscenes
Cutscenes give the game a feel of cinematic storytelling. We loved them in FFXI, we love them now.

Voiceovers
I'm glad to finally see voiceovers (though I was expecting more of them than just in some of the cutscenes).

All UI elements are movable
This lays the groundwork for future customization options. Even seasoned games such as World of Warcraft do not have a fully movable interface (without the use of mods).

Surnames
Though they sometimes make life more complicated, I think in the end they allow for further character depth and immersion.

Keyboard And Mouse Playable
This one is relative. I am a keyboard and mouse user. And while I still feel that mouse tweaks and the overall UI has a long way to go, at least the game is playable with a keyboard and mouse. In FFXI, the mouse was useless.

Soloing
The fact that solo play has always been supported was essential for me and many of my friends.

Steady Income
While I don't like that the guildleve system is the backbone of leveling (I much prefer a quest-based leveling system), I do appreciate that they are a good source of steady income. So are guild tasks (though more like profession dailies, they do also serve as a source of low-level income). This means that even if the economy hits a recession, there will be a way to keep money flowing.

No Exp-Loss Death Penalty
I've experienced different death penalties in various MMOs, but nothing was as infuriating or punitive as FFXI's exp loss and deleveling. No matter how harsh the death penalty may someday become in this game, nothing will push me out the door faster than exp loss. I'm glad that's an idea they did not carry over into this game.

Armor
Believe it or not, I like the armor in this game. I like how it feels more Western/European. I like that I can actually wear a robe (whereas FFXI always made you look like you were wearing a pantsuit). Yes, it's a little lackluster, but I always expected this would be starting armor and it would improve over time. When we get job-specific gear, it will be that much more amazing. Oh, and I'm glad I'll never have to wear gigantic flaming shoulders.

Music
It's Nobuo Uematsu and Final Fantasy. What's not to love? I'm especially addicted to the starting zone music in La Noscea.

Story
I love Gridania's storyline. They're people of the forest. There is magic. There are moogles. Love it.

Lore
I like the idea of the Twelve Gods and Goddesses. This allows me to choose a path that's right for me. I can worship the Moon Goddess (Menphina). Life is good.

Setting
I love the slang and the language. "Gods be good!" Minor swearing and sexual innuendos. This isn't your grandma's Final Fantasy.

Elezen Ears
This is a weird pet peeve of mine, but I'm glad they put in another option for the Elezen ears at the last minute that have them point more upward than outward. I don't like my ears to point straight out to the sides of my head. They should point up and back (sorry, I like how Western Elves look). This actually made the difference for me between playing a Hyur and an Elezen.