But okay, let me do a proper post here.

Living Memory, by its standards, is an artificial Aetherial Sea. Denizens inside are not alive, their behavior, dreams, aspirations and sentience comes from their memories of when they were once alive.

The accurate statement that each individual there is, is that the are Ghosts. We are familiar in FFXIV that Ghosts hold memories and wants from when they were alive, and most of them builds rancor towards the living for being capable to do the things they desire to do, but are unable to. Thus, turning into monsters.

An addendum to that, is that on Deadwalk, we are in a portion of Living Memory where the fault of Aether made the place unstable and shatter, the memories in the terminal there turned into their own sorrows and became what? Monsters. In particular, Ghosts.

If by any means you want to argue that what we did in Living Memory was a genocide, you also need to consider all the Ashkins killed by us in the past and consider every Ashkin as an actual living being. From Palace of the Dead, to Sirensong Sea, etc, etc.

The formula to create both Ashkins and the Endless is the same. Incorporeal Aether (Souls), Life Force and Memories. Therefore, no. None of them are alive, none of them are real beyond what their memories made of them, and they are unable to make new ones.

Living Memory passed a beautiful message to understand, respect and carry on the legacy of those who fell before you, while you allow them to rest and finally sleep as the deserve so you can keep moving forward and carry their burdens with you and with respect.

But to resume that to "genocide" is of such dishonesty and a disservice to the place that's stunning af.