All I know is, is that I'm currently capped on all my weekly "gates," but I can still log on and find something fun to do.

That's the difference between looking at it as a gated game, and looking it at it as an MMORPG. Hell, last Tuesday I didn't get shit done even though things reset. I spent 99% of my night goofing off with friends. I found something fun to do that wasn't at all related to reaching gated milestones. I wasn't even mad when I didn't cap all my stuff last week because I was having too much fun and forgot to.

For you, the only recommendation I can make is to expand your horizons beyond the limitations of the game.

Spend time with friends.
Throw a giant Halloween party for the whole server.
Organize a scavenger hunt.
Attempt to beat a dungeon/fight naked.
Mentor some newbies who never played an MMO before.
Organize an S-rank summoning expedition.
Etc.