Quote Originally Posted by Lauront View Post
Didn't say an inconsequential grunt. Just not a character with such a defined identity, limiting my own ability to shape the character. I don't find much fun in playing someone else's idea of a character.

Beyond that, some people play MMOs for the fact that they can RP out going on adventures with their friends (in a similar fashion to D&D etc.), without being the centre of attention in every major plot, so I can't really agree with the point underlying your question. There isn't one singular form of fun when it comes to MMOs or RPGs.
I think that's more of a problem with FFXIV's story being linear, with a lack of RPG elements. Nothing to do really with our character being the focus of said story.