The OP is correct.
Pixel for Pixel, the Vita is nearly as powerful as a PS3. Several gaming companies (Konami, for instance) have confirmed this.
And Yoshi-P has stated that the new FFXIV engine is "highly scalable".
From this, can we assume that the Vita could run a 'trimmed down' (less chars on screen, lower texture res, etc)port of the PS3 version?
I'd say the answer is almost certainly a
'Yes'.
However, there's a much more important factor to consider...
Are there enough Vita users who are
ALSO FF/MMO fans, (current or potential) to make a Vita port worth the required investment of resources? (The sales of the upcoming FFX HD for Vita might give us a hint)
My guess is probably not. At least not yet.
Hopefully as time goes on, the userbase will grow, but as it stands now -- unless Sony wants to partner in covering the development costs -- I just don't see it happening.
And that's a shame, because the Vita is a fantastic system, and FFXIV would an be
awesome first MMO for it.
