Somehow Botanist of Light and Carpenter of Light don't have quite the same ring to them ... Why would the Ishgardians be prepared to forsake their isolationist policies because someone is a really REALLY good gardener?!

Joking aside, it's been made pretty clear that our characters only get to go to Ishgard because of the events in 2.5s MSQ, and that's not open to negotiation it seems. Personally I'm happy with that; I've very much enjoyed the story, and I don't really get why other people don't enjoy it. But, hey, different strokes etc. I guess if someone really can't bring themselves to grit their teeth, get some help from their FC mates, and soldier on through - skipping all the cutscenes naturally - then buying the expansion probably isn't worth it