600+ ????? FF XI sure have changed >_>
It took me 2 years and a half to reach level 75.

You forgot the reward of quests (not much yet but still) AND REWARD OF LEVES.

Give them time !!! Its just the begining !!

But for me, FF 14 was never about soloing so the solo outcome does not bother me but the group exp is ..... i aggree not cool

But they know it and if you want you can create a weel builded feedback (not like this one) to remember them and proposing solution.