Stormblood in general has not been an overly great expansion, Heavansward i feel was better how it was presented.
The code is very outdated and we all know it would take time. Perhaps they also need test servers.
In the 5 or so years i have been playing (since launch of 2.0) it is the very first time i do not finish off Relics and i have also had long periods of not bothering to log on
Gear gets outdated within a short period of time getting it, and well not much feels rewarding anymore.

Other games reward you just for playing or logging in.... This game they let go of vet rewards, it is not a big deal i just think at times other games/developers care more.
Not to say SE does not care, more like they are tired and need a refresh as a team and maybe just maybe go out and do something not so safe all the time.