Age of conan didn't use an auto attack, and while it was interesting at first, I didn't like it very much. I had QER set to attack left middle right, there were more, but you end up just spamming those buttons and it isn't very fun.

Another option is something like Phantasy star universe, or I think TERA has a similar system, no or limited targeting and directional style attacks. Monster Hunter has a similar system as well. I think Phantasy Star had the best battle system among them all, at least at the core, and I'd prefer this system.

Unless FF went in a completely different direction, auto attack is likely the best solution.