FATEs are just a lazy cop-out indeed. However, I can tolerate them to a certain extent. Having to do the CT intro quests and the Hildibrand ones is easy. You do 'em one time and move on.

What I utterly loathe with an unspeakable passion is being forced to repeat FATEs that take anywhere from 30min-1hr to spawn. It's the worst idea ever. Half tempted to kill every Sylph in the world every time they give me Magitek Menace. SEEETHE.

The FFXIII FATEs sucked too. There was no reason you couldn't have made them more interesting temporary guildhests that allow you to actually see your favorite FFXIII heroine in action. A zerg fest that lasts all of 3 seconds? Yeah, that's terrible. Stop using FATE for everything.