here is the history of FFXI's launch: http://z4.invisionfree.com/HCII/ar/t2095.htm

It took FFXI about a year and a half until NA launch and to get good. I hope FFXIV does the same thing. I'm not exactly satisfied with this game yet...I personally feel it needs a lot more content, especially end game. I am going to stick with it though, seems promising