Criticism of Shadowbringers and the hostility there in

[Vahlnir]

The sub question is kind of a moot point, in an age where most MMO's either launch free to play/buy to play or quickly end up that way, 14 has maintained a sub, SE have the numbers, if they thought they'd make more more money by dropping it, they would, they obviously feel they wouldn't and given the game continues to do well, they appear to be correct.

SE has made some pretty costly mistakes over the years, but when they find something that works they will milk that until it runs dry. Currently, FF XIV is their biggest cash cow. FF 7 is a close second since they've been milking that one for almost 25 years. lol