Is the FFXIV story basically the PURGE?

[BillyKaplan]

He was hardly different than Ysayle. Was he less evil because his victims were dragons and not Ishgardians, despite the dragons being portrayed to be just as "human" as any of the other races (Elezen, Hyur, Au Ra, Miqo'te, Roegadyn, Lalafell)?

Nope, he was just as bad, just as blinded by the whole mess. I can't even say he doesn't have "innocent blood" on his hands either because he likely took what chance he had to murder young dragons before they became an even bigger threat, or dragons who didn't wish to partake in the conflict.

It'd be bad story telling to completely reveal a character, or they'd be completely shallow if you didn't intend for them to grow.

The entirety of the end of ARR was written out of relevance. The entire Ul'dah mess was basically handwaved away with the only lasting consequence was Raubahn's arm. Y'shtola can "see" just fine and we never saw Thancred use his magic to begin with so the loss of that isn't even negligible, it might as well not be there. The storytelling had an angle and motivation that did not fit in the least with what came after. It's not retconning in the sense that they don't deny it existed in the past, but with how bad a record scratch was heard when you meet Ysayle later, compared to her portrayal which I linked to, they might as well have done that. You're speaking out of the assumption that when we meet Ysayle in 3.0, it's a logical progression of her character after we see her in 2.5. To me, it is not. I cannot believe the woman who laughed maniacally as she unleashed dragons upon Ishgard, calling for them to have their revenge, honestly didn't see the carnage that followed. 3.0 Ysayle is an amazing character. Her ties as a character to Ysayle in 2.5 are skin deep.
And ultimately doesn't negate the original point brought up regarding her, that despite being given the Echo by Hydaelyn, she did some pretty messed up stuff. When we eventually march into Garlemald, I should hope they don't show the WoL laughing themselves silly like she was shown in Ishgard. We'd certainly not send dragons upon the helpless.