I am not really sure why the topic of getting rid of heavy comes up so much.

It's the most mild inconvenience that is easily avoided by just adopting a little tact (Run behind a couple of mobs/take shorter paths to outrun them faster)

I will imagine a person who dislikes the heavy will be a little shocked when they find out they might die by simply crossing a zone when we go Heavensward. (While it is not finalized information it has been mentioned by Yoshida)

Being able to use your race Chocobo in the open world is an interesting thought, perhaps only in retirement? I have not finished with the notes yet to see if there is a mention.