FFXIV is too simplistic and bland

[Morningstar1337]

FFXI is a MMORPG , FFXIV is a MMORPG, thats apples to apples.

I don't think that is exactly the case. XIV is more of a "theme park" MMO in the vein of WOW (one of Yoshida's more noted inspirations for ARR) Whereas XI predates WOW and by extension the themepark concept. 1.0 (which you previously discussed) and the Eureka content seemed a little more closer to XI. From what I gathered, Themepark MMOs seem to value convenience a lot more than XI which seemed to take a slightly more realistic (as you are surrounded by multiple high level enemies at most times, questing as more esoteric, arguably deleveling, etc) and grindy approach to adventuring, as well as a more lidded eye on balance regarding jobs (in fact i kinda wonder of the concept of QoL features would be anathema in XI's heyday).

And considering that WOW has been going fairly strong for 1.5 decades (AFAIK, could be longer), and that XIV also saw success with ARR onward. I take away that there is a bigger market for more easier/casual/convenient MMOs than more "hardcore"/"inconvenient" MMOs such as XI. And SE seemed to had noticed since AFAIK, XI was adding QoL and streamlining features since I think Abyssea.

I don't think either game is perfect and that the devs could stand to share notes, but I also don't they are as 1:1 as you think they are.