OP,

This was the design intent from the beginning. Why are you surprised? We were always aware this would happen. When new content comes out, we were told that old content would be eased so that the new content can always be the current content. For example, if someone just started the game yesterday, they'd catch up. That's what has been said since the beginning.

Try starting FFXI right now. Right now. I mean restarting from the beginning. Good luck finding your way...