@ObsidianFire

I do understand the progress behind the scenes when I feel it's effect later

The Archons knowledge,like you said,warned Eorzea of the coming calamity.The knowledge Urianger had with his research,especially with Moenbryda later,proved quite fruitful against the ascian threat and the primals for example.Alphinaud,despite lacking in combat prowess,is an excellent diplomat

I'm not asking the scions to do the Warrior of Light's job cuz otherwise there won't be a game.But when it comes to post 1.0 plot from ARR onward,the scions's progress only felt more visible once she was out of the picture to send the warriors of darkness back to their world.So it felt like,despite how powerful her echo was, that Minfillia was holding back her own organization once the calamity passed.Heck it's after she was gone that we discovered more people with the echo like Arenvald

As for cutting down characters,Minfillia deserved it, but I didn't think Papalymo needed to die(assuming he's dead that is cuz if Louisoux and Gaius taught me anything...is that you only are confirmed dead if you die on screen.....unless you're Zenos xD)