Length MSQ from all the expansions - it is getting insane

[MsQi]

That kinda goes against the spirit of the game. Its very MSQ Focused, which is why there is so much of it. FFXIV is built around the MSQ, content unlocks via the world Progressing.

Now, I think I support the idea that if you clear to 7.0 you should be able to skip with a new Alt. But as for new players they should play the game like everyone else, or buy the skip.
Im sure ppl will disagree, especially the Raiders, but the MSQ; like it or not, is part of the games experience.
Its not like orher MMOs where its just a throwaway put in just because.

Kind of but also not really.

First of all the import thing to understand is that keeping it required is why it is being cut and altered. It is being cut for people who don't even pay attention to the story so they can more easily get to the content they want. As long as it is required people will have a valid point when complaining about how long it is and the devs will more than likely continue to cut it, which has already gone too far.

Players experience a dungeon or other content usually only once in the context of the story per character.

Other mmos are actually very similar to FFXIV, most don't use as many cutscenes, but by not having it gated you may experience things out of the original intended order. But WoW and SWTOR and RIFT and others have a very well developed stories, several actually, if you pay attention. The dungeons and raids are directly tied to one or more on going storylines. However you have the option of entering once you meat the level requirements. You can move onto other zones when you feel like it. It may not make complete sense though, but many book present stories out of order anyway and it makes sense to some people. Their devs have acknowledged that there are players who don't really care about the story or prefer to experience it in their own way.

It makes no sense to continue to require the story and continue to edit it for the sake of people who don't care about the story.

[Zanarkand-Ronso]

Their devs have acknowledged that there are players who don't really care about the story or prefer to experience it in their own way.
It makes no sense to continue to require the story and continue to edit it for the sake of people who don't care about the story.

Thats them, thats not FFXIV.
Sounds like those stories are entirely self contained and separated from an overall Main Story. Which is fine. FFXIV even has some of these in their Raids, Dungeons, and many activities. However FFXIV has a story to tell, and its world changes WITH the story, which leads to content being unlocked, and some of those stories exist thanks to the progression from the MSQ.
If players dont care about the story, hey, you can skip it and go about your day. Either from buying a skip, or just Skip Cutscene.