The new player experience and how FFXIV fails as an MMO.

[Absurdity]

I understand your point, but at the same time that's a bit of an exaggeration. The game can be purchased for $40, a sub is $13, and the story skip is $25. So that $115 price tag you're suggesting is actually $78.

Since we are talking about playing with friends at the endgame, a new player would have to buy the complete edition which does cost you $60.