For what its worth Shposhae has what you are talking about, starts off low level the further you go in the more the level rises and then there are NM's dotted around, sure they aren't ridiculously high level or anything but it has that same sense of progression when you are the correct level, finally fighting and figuring out how to spawn the Couerl etc.

You say you haven't played the game much and then say the area's aren't memorable well d'uh you have to experience things to remember them, I already have memories of 15 man leve parties in Nophica well for instance, completing job quests, getting some of the harder to reach aertherial gates and the first time I stepped in Mor Dhona and Coerthas.

There are plenty of cool places and memorable area's if only you take the time to experience them.