The fact is that they are putting a lot of attention into visual detail, as that will be the first thing that will impress people that look at pics or a trailer for the game, and that is what people expect out of an FF.

It is inevitable that the actions are going to look more impressive in both aesthetics and from a technical standpoint, if not in 1.X then in 2.0 at the latest with the improved shader and ambient options.

this is the first time ive been bitter about anything the team has done
They haven't even done anything. You counted 1+X=3 and are now upset about that assumption. Take a step back and be patient.