The OP pretty much sums XIV up in a nutshell.

XIV is all unjustified hype.....I mean, even XIV's peak was questionable because it was the result of players from the greatest MMO of all-time as opposed to XIV itself lol. Like, everything about XIV is manufactured hype, that many players are now recognizing.

Can't speak much on the story, because I have yet to even complete HW LMAO. However, I am inclined to take the OP word because nothing memorable has happened yet. As opposed to XI's plot twist early when the crystal Warriors humbled "Thanos" & was working with someone you knew for awhile.....

XIV is a good 2nd MMO to compliment your main MMO/Game. Far from a bad game, but does not hit the feels like VII, XI, Skyrim, Elden Ring, San Andreas, etc.....

XIV-XVI are the worst FF trio eras imo.

IX, X & XI were the best, imo of course. That was peak SE. They gave fans some old gen, new gen & a twist with an MMO when MMO were not even popular......& all three not it out of the park.