Started playing in late SB (character I play on now is a late EW character but I've taken numerous long breaks and finally committed to making 14 my "main game" in early 2023) and while I think calling this a mass exodus is hyperbole I do think DT hasn't really addressed any of the issues people have with FF14 that might lead into a exodus ala Shadowlands if 8.0 doesn't address the issues (and really they need to address them now).

1. Story Quality is the same or worst then Post-EW (and I thought 6.0 wasn't the best either just really good highs and really bad lows after doing it again on this character after playing 6.0 at launch) and a lot of the experience that gets people to play is being invested in the story and I can't bring myself to care about pretty much any of the DT cast save Bakool personally. I'm aware 7.1-7.3 is probably already largely written and set in stone but I do hope they at least try and either communicate they're changing stuff going forward or course correct the patches

2.I don't know what old players are suppose to do for content if you don't like raiding (and even then I was done with the tier by week 12 and was basically only raid logging by week 4 unless I wanted to level a alt job) I'm already done with 7.1 save MSQ because I'm procrastinating more Wuk Lamat Adventures and besides the AR which is really fucking good, I don't get what someone who isn't A. Grind for the Sphene EX mount or B. Is doing FRU like I am is suppose to do for this patch. It's been said a bunch already but "midcore" players basically have nothing to do till the relic comes out in 7.25 with the new bozja like content and this was already after 6.x had basically no content of that front either. Relic should have been at worst this patch and I'd argue its first step should have been 7.08 or something. For all the content they promised and know is coming from fan fest their is no actual timeline of when its coming really.

3. Job design is this game is boring save a few examples and while promising it get better come 8.0 they're actively on some jobs making it worst? Why did DRG lose 2 nastrond charges? Why can't we start fixing the jobs up a bit for their rework sooner when SAM this very expansion got a semi-rework that is largely accepted as positive. Those changes were great and helped make the job a bit more unique and added some cool skill expression. I'm fine with stuff like the TCJ change which imo was more frustrating to adapt around then skillful especially under bad ping. But the DRG changes to me especially felt like changing it for the sake of change.

Think the biggest thing the SE could do to at least stop the bleeding a bit which at least for now is small is just say something. Give me a roadmap for the rest of DT and ideas of change for 8.0. because if you aren't a Savage/Ult raider you probably could have waited to buy DT and sub till 7.25/7.3 with the new relic and zone.