The current issues with the FFXIV servers are due to problems in the Level 3 network. If you look at 4.69.153.86 (Level 3, Montreal 2), 4.69.140.89 (Level 3, Chicago 1), 4.69.132.62 (Level 3, Chicago 2), and 4.28.20.29 (Level 3, Denver) you'll see that these hops have heavy packet losses going on. While I have to think that Level 3 knows about these issues since they're a major internet backbone it would be nice to have some level of communication.

For now all i can say is don't beat SE or Sony too hard. These issues are out of their control