If I remember FFXI (although I hated the combat system a LOT) had a lot of emphrasis on the open world rather then shoving everyone in instances. If I remember correctly you couldn't do anything alone.

This probably made the endgame much better, because when you started the game your already used to working with other players. However in FFXIV you don't need anyone for anything until 60, then you get to alexander and now you suddenly have to party up?

Most of the game:
- Solo
- Duty Finder, never have to talk to anyone.
- Fates, never have to talk to anyone.

FFXIV probably is the most anti-social MMO I have ever played.

Anyways, when your early game requires no partying up for anything and the "hard" stuff requires partying up... I don't think its NA's problem.