**** http://i.imgur.com/nmxe9.jpg ****

The World Graphics - most notably in Limsa Lominsa - are very sub-par.
Interesting you select the pic of FFXIV from the Alpha project. let's see some up to date pics. You, a back drop (hell, it can even have water if you fancy).

World of Warcraft Water

Just because a game has a lot of character models, doesn't mean the graphic technology has to be archaic like FFXIV's is. SE's proprietary engine is so poorly optimized that it makes games run a lot worse than a modern engine like Unreal or Source
I think everyone can agree that Wow has a cartoon like feel to it's design. Being two different styles, that renders your point mute.

As for MMO's in general, I defy you find another current MMO with detailing and graphics that can come to par with FFXIV (non-Alpha or Beta, only from release)