Forcing players to pay to keep housing is unfair.

[Keeroh]

If they had instanced houses and took down all the wards it seems like they would be less strain and more flexible.

This is true! Very true, instancing would cut server strain by an astronomical amount. However, I think the Overworld-Housing-Thinger is a huge draw for the enthusiasts. You can literally take a stroll and have neighbors. If you ever played Wildstar, you may understand why their housing (while amazing) lacked a real sense of location. You had "neighbors" at random, and were literally floating alone in the sky. I would really argue against losing the overworld aspect. It just... it's so nice. I don't have a house, I don't even have an FC, but I have spent *hours* puttering about the wards because it's a wonderful experience to meander.

[Naunet]

If you ever played Wildstar, you may understand why their housing (while amazing) lacked a real sense of location. You had "neighbors" at random, and were literally floating alone in the sky. I would really argue against losing the overworld aspect.

I play WildStar, and I couldn't disagree more. The level of immersion you can obtain in WildStar's housing system negates the need for visible neighbors. I can create an entire city on my own plot. Hell, with the right finagling you can even create a seemingly endless horizon for a beautiful beach view or mountainscape or whatever else. As a housing enthusiast, FFXIV's housing definitely does not stir much excitement.

Plus, we are getting Communities soon, where we will be able to link up plots together into a massive structure.

[PocketVolcano]

If you ever played Wildstar, you may understand why their housing (while amazing) lacked a real sense of location. You had "neighbors" at random, and were literally floating alone in the sky.

There is nothing "lacking" here

[Aylis]

There is nothing "lacking" here

As for the floating alone thing...taken from Chad Moore's last State of the Universe letter

" And lastly, we’re planning to release the long-awaited Communities feature later on this year, which will allow players to come together in housing plots and collaborate in new and exciting ways. Having already played with this feature myself, I can tell you that it’ll open up a whole new world of creative possibilities for our dedicated housing designers and their unlimited imaginations. I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!"