Since SE has made dungeons a part of the main story-line, I feel it is only fair to give players the option of being able to do them solo with the ability to still summon your chocobo companion. I enjoy playing FFXIV and think the story is great. I really enjoy playing mmorpgs but I like to play at my own pace or to play with close personal friends when our schedules allow us to team up.

I don't like the fact that I can't continue the story I'm playing through because I have to depend on others. Don't get me wrong, I like being able to jump in and help others. I find it discouraging though, when someone rage-quits for whatever reason and makes it impossible to continue or despite the whole group's best effort we just can't get that last lucky hit in to win the battle before the whole group is wiped and the timer expires.

I think the optional dungeons/raids make sense to keep them as a party required but for the story-line ones they should have the option of solo or party.