I'd suggest the primary driver of class design and balancing these days is optimising the number of subscriptions and gaining new players. The way they have chosen to do that the last couple of years is simplification and predictability.

I've been playing FFXI and FFXIV since March 2004 and it breaks my heart what they've done with my chosen play styles.

I wish there were enough of us to make them rethink their strategy but I don't think there is.