Look I'm all for the Story, it's a huge selling point for me, I wish there wasn't a character limit so I could explain and be explained to.

The problem is NOT the story, or even it's length. It's the nonsense between.

Like getting some ribs but they are 75% bones and gristle.

Example. Why the heck do I have to run all the way to Limsa Limosia to pick up a sledgehammer for Tatarou? That quest has ZERO impact on the story.

Shoot even the whole food quest before the Titan fight had SOME barring, even if it fell flat imo.