Lack of End Game Content

[Krotoan]

Because that's what end game content is - content designed to be done once you've hit max level. Content available throughout the game (like glamour) doesn't need a modifier - it's not end game content, it's just content.

And yes, FFXIV isn't strong at end game. Most of the activities people choose to do at end game is the same sort of stuff they did while leveling - fates, houses, roulettes, glamour. This isn't participating in end game content, it's just participating in the game's general content while at max level.

Some people will perceive this sort of game structure as a strength. There's more variety, it's more of a world to live in rather than a treadmill to grind. But some will want that extra bit of difficult content to look forward to at end game.

You can define it as you wish, and for certain many would agree that's endgame stuff. I understand full well people WANT this. I have friends who sub once every 3-4 months because of that.
I agree with all of this. .. except this:

Content designed to be done while leveling is leveling content, these can be done at end game but the rewards for doing so will be lackluster because it wasn't designed with that in mind.

This game was very much designed with the idea that even if you hit "endgame" with one job, you had the others to go back and busy yourself with. In fact when it started you were REQUIRED to level multiple jobs to support or even unlock others. Maybe not to max level but the options went up to over halfway. This game was never intended for endgame warrior only people. It's a VERY poor endgame grinder especially for the "hardcore". But I am reasonably sure that was never advertised as the main selling point.

The ffxi end game content you mentioned is exactly the type of content i am talking about. So many amazing memories....

.. like farming the same mob for hours only to lose it to someone else who tagged it faster or people who would drag crap over you to try and kill you so they could kill the monster... or farming the same monster for days and it never dropped the thing.. Yeah.. it was awesome.
FFXI had it's charms.. but for me that game ended up just being a frustrating way to burn 6 hours a day. I will be first in line waving the sign that says "Hell no, FFXI FEATURES WILL MAKE ME GO"