I guess it's time

[Claymore65]

I don't know why anyone would think otherwise, it's just a by-product of making a game so casual and easily-accessible that it's played by millions.

There's another factor to consider as well: Overall playerbase size. Currently, FFXIV is far larger in terms of player count than FFXI ever was. It may currently be impossible to have the same sort of tight-knit community with the game as large as it is. It's much harder to keep track of the sheer number of players.

While I understand the downsides of the "Duty Finder" and other quick-matchmaking, don't forget the benefits. Players can conveniently run most content (i.e. anything other than EX trials and Savage Raids) without having to dedicate to a firm schedule or a group. It makes the game incredibly convenient for a huge amount of players. While I certainly understand the desire for a more tight-knit community, I rather enjoy the current level of time-saving measures in the game. It allows me (and plenty of other players) to get a lot more done in a short amount of time.

I'm in no way saying the system is perfect, but a lot of the players currently playing FFXIV probably wouldn't have the time to play a much slower-paced MMO like FFXI. It comes down largely to personal preference.