Why casual players don't 'just leave'

[Clockworks]

FFXIV is the only MMO game that fits these following critera:
Game is still receiving updates, and isn't actively being sunset.
Game has a substantial pool of people to interact with.
Game actually has an immersive world to engage with.
Game has a substantial amount of avenues for player expression.
Game isn't gacha/P2W garbage.
Game has a reasonable amount of (non-completionist) content to interact with outside of the progression treadmill.

Not sure if trolling or being serious, I hope trolling.

[NamiRocket]

Not sure if trolling or being serious, I hope trolling.

Bait used to be believable.

[Arrius]

Bait used to be believable.

Since when? Clearly you haven't been around this place long.

And it shows.

[NamiRocket]

Since when? Clearly you haven't been around this place long.

And it shows.

What gave it away? The join date or the comment history?

And that's really not the dunk you think it is.

My head is once again in my hands.

Do you ever say anything that makes any sense?

[NegativeS]

I would personally say that ESO fits in there as well.

1. It receives regular updates.
2. With the mega servers there's never a shortage of people to interact with.
3. The game world is big and immersive. And with the level sync all zones always stays relevant so no zone will turn into a "dead zone" as zones often do when people have out leveled it and moved on.
4. Players can express themselves with the freedom of choice with how any class can play whatever role. No armor/weapon lock to specific classes. Cosmetic/Transmog system. Players can "equip" skins, personalities (and more) that drastically change how their character looks.
5. Game has a store that sells Cosmetics and more. Only thing people might argue is close to P2W is the optional subscription that gives some perks like an infinite crafting material "bag". Edit: ESO does have crates though. Still optional but they contain a bunch of cosmetical options. So that would be a downside.
6. There's plenty of stuff to do. But one most people from FFXIV might find most interesting is that houses aren't limited and can be decorated with great freedom with a huge variety of items.
   Considering how Houses seems to be what keeps a lot of people from leaving FFXIV.

I didn't include ESO in the list because, from what I've heard of the game, it would fall into the 'low quality' category.

This is just hearsay, though--I've played every other MMO I listed, so that's on me if I was misinformed.

Haha that is actually standard practice with many nullsec corporations in Eve Online. Wonder why their player count is so low?

Back when EVE was young, I played a bit and was able to get into a nullsec mining corporation without much hassle. It was pretty fun! But god, having any figment of a life outside of the game makes it pretty much impossible to keep up with your peers.

29 real-life days of waiting just to unlock a Prospect-class ice miner... eugh... and that's just training to be able to fly one, don't get me started on actually sourcing the parts for the stupid thing.

I can't imagine how bad it is these days.

Lol.

Lmao even.

Not sure if trolling or being serious, I hope trolling.

I am in a superposition of both trolling and being serious until one of you divulges into why you disagree(?) with my points.

[Evergrey]

I didn't include ESO in the list because, from what I've heard of the game, it would fall into the 'low quality' category.

This is just hearsay, though--I've played every other MMO I listed, so that's on me if I was misinformed.

That's fair.
If you haven't played it yourself you can't possibly give it an honest ranking.
I just felt like adding my own personal opinions with ESO since I have played it.

I won't deny that if people base it on hearsay it will most likely be a lot of less than good things said.
Especially about the combat system.
And ofc, no game is "good" for everyone. But I would say that it is worth a try if people want to try something new.