The don't do it argument is silly. If out of 100 people play a game mechanics and only 10% of players enjoy then, its pointless.
All aspects should be fun, for everyone. I'm not talking high-end challenges.
As a battle class you can pick up the content and not sacrifice much to play it. Waht with duty finder and whatnot. Gear isn't even that hard to get.
Gathering and crafting is super boring. Gardening them same.
If you think squareenix design the game for fun first, and time sinks next...wel that your opinion. To me squareenix uses psychological addictions, similar to gambling to keep you playing without the evil of EA straight buy luck boxes, but to keep you playing months and paying that monthly fee.