1. How do you feel about the patch frequency?
I am looking forward to all the changes & improvements so of course I wish they were more frequent but I believe that once the major Battle-Reform Blueprint is in place, future patches (content) will be more frequent.
2. How do you feel about the changes themselves?
I like what's been done so far (except punching mobs an an Archer. I would prefer a kick to the groin (them, not me) or a nice roundhouse kick to the head) and I am looking forward to all the changes & improvements so of course I wish they were more frequent but I believe that once the major Battle-Reform Blueprint is in place, future patches (content) will be more frequent.
3. How do you feel this game will fair against current upcoming titles?
"Current upcoming" titles is a non sequitur but seeing as FFXIV is the only MMO I am currently playing and I do not plan to play any upcoming titles (maybe GW2, MAYBE), it will fair quite well for me...if a few hundred thousand others feel similar.
4. Do you think this game will ever exceed niche popularity?
Depends on one's definition. If by niche we mean "not as popular in the U.S.", than it will always be a niche market. But I expect XIV to be very popular in Japan (PS3) and in Europe, maybe Australia too. U.S market will be the niche.
5. Do you think the changes are in the right or wrong direction?
They are going in the right direction for me personally (see this old post for my perspective) but I am quite well aware that not everyone shares my vision. (Sometimes, I think Yoshi does though...kinda scary actually.)
6. Do you think the they have focused on the most important things historically with patches or should the focus have been elsewhere?
This is a tough one because I was one of the masses that was bored stiff with the released game and demanded content. I wasn't exactly enamored with the Armory System (as implemented) or the Battle-Mechanics, but I could've lived with 'em if I had something fun to do.
However once they announced the Battle Reform Blueprint and Jobs System (even the Crafting), I now really wish they wouldn't release ANY new content untill all these New Systems are in place and working properly. I want to experience everything fresh, so I don't play much but of course I can't resist a post-patch login...or two...or more.