Quote Originally Posted by Iscah View Post
The mindset of "grinding to max level where the fun content begins" is not what's intended by the writers of the game - and not how all players see the experience.

I enjoyed the entire journey of the game - the story, the locations, the characters - because I wasn't seeing it as an obstacle to be ground through. .
But this highlights the issue that this thread was created to discuss. Not all new players are going to want to sit through hundred+ hours of story in order to be able to play with their friends.

I'm glad you and plenty of others have enjoyed the long path that is XIV's story, but that doesn't mean everyone else should as well if that isn't their preference. This is an MMO, and MMOs cast that net far and wide to bring in all sorts of players. Some like story, some don't. Some are hyped by what they've seen in new trailers and want to jump in, others are content to take their time doing other things along the way. Some added flexibility would not hurt.

I am personally one of those people that like to level and do other non-story things first as they tend to interest me more. Then when I'm content with what I've done, I like to go back and take my time with the story. I can't be alone out there, but XIV doesn't really give you a choice.